Sunday, March 6, 2011

Our Bloomin Almond Orchard

Our almond orchard is in bloom again so SPRING is just around the corner!
Yippee!
It was a bee-utiful day when I took these photos,
but just a few short days later a FREEZE WARNING was being forecasted!
Definitely NOT what you want to hear at this time!

When the trees are in bloom we basically hold our breath and pray for good weather.
Too much rain or cold or wind will keep the bees from leaving the hives to pollinate.
They need plenty of warm sunny weather to do their thing!

But a FREEZE could destroy your whole crop!

The early variety was in full bloom
while the later varieties were only about half way or so.

Look at the bloom on this baby!! 
I always think of the blossoms as being pink but actually
the buds are white and the center of the flower is pinkish.
Above you can see one of the sets of hives on the right in this photo...
Black plastic tarp is used to cover them so the bees will stay warmer and
more productive. 

Well I think we escaped the dreaded freeze for now...
My hubby has a little test he does to check for freeze damage. 
He splits open the base of the blossom where the nut is formed, 
if it has turned black then it's all BAD!!
But... so far so good!!
Now we just pray all else goes well for the rest of the year...

Thanks for coming by!!


 
 Hugs, Sherri:)


Please stop by Susan's for
"Outdoor Wednesday"
for some outdoor inspiration!!

6 comments:

Blondie's Journal said...

These really are beautiful trees, Sherri. How beautiful to look at everyday! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you! :-)

XO,
Jane

Sue said...

Oh, Sherri, You said the trees were blooming in your last e-mail- it's so nice to see how pretty they are! I hope the weather stays nice and warm. Mother Nature is so fickle.... Best of luck with your crop! hugs, Sue

June said...

I love seeing your almond trees in bloom Sherri!
I think it would be awesome to take a walk through them someday.
I do hope that the weather is good for them the rest of the Spring. I'm sure the bees will be hard little workers in the next several days.
sending hugs

Anonymous said...

Hi Sherri! What a most gorgeous sight! I do hope your weather stays good so your trees will be able to do what they need to and the bees too!
Thanks for popping in to see me.
be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Donnie said...

What beautiful trees they are. Hoping the weather continues to get warmer. It's always hard when you have to rely on the whims of the weather.

Vintagesouthernlife said...

Beautiful! Glad you avoided the dreaded freeze.

Blog Widget by LinkWithin