About Our Orchard
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Robert
Boothby, Owner
With a farming tradition in his
family since 1865,
Rob has been growing apples
all his life. In fact, the orchard is a subsidiary
of the family enterprise, Century
Elm Farm,
Inc.
His background is in horticulture
and dairy farming and has a degree from University
of Maine in Animal Science. He enjoys teaching
new fruit growers how to best care for their
orchards no matter what the size. Call in
the winter for help pruning existing fruit
or shade trees. Call in the spring for assistance
with new plantings. Consulting services
available. |
Setting
The seven acre orchard with over 3000
trees, has the luxurious feel of a vineyard. The
secluded orchard sits in a wonderful, solar location
surrounded by family land, forest and fields that
serve as a refuge to whitetail deer, wild geese,
turkeys, ring-neck pheasants and pandas (just kidding).
The orchard is nestled on the shore of a large
manmade pond, home to loons, beaver, otter, herons,
turtles, and a multitude of other wildlife.
Environmentally Friendly
A key component of the orchard management
system is Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Before
spraying any pesticides the orchard is scouted
for pests to determine economic thresholds with
the goal of reducing rather than eliminating pests.
Examples include tarnish plant bug, plum curculio
and fungal infection periods to name a few. Using
minimal sprays, fruit can be spared defects and
disease which untreated may result in crop failure.
The trees are low to the ground and planted closely
together, therefore pesticide use is greatly reduced
because of excellent spray coverage. IPM, using
conventionally effective methods, also reduces
fuel consumption particularly when compared to
organic counterparts. This method of farming also
maximizes the ability of natural predators to rid
the orchard of rodents and other smaller pests
that have the capacity to girdle and kill trees.
Handicapped
Accessible
Featuring dwarf apple trees grown on
a wire trellis system (espalier), this orchard
offers a pick-your-own experience like no other.
The grounds are even and mowed to perfection
and the apples grow low to the ground allowing
the youngest of children and those with physical
disabilities to enjoy picking their own apples.
No ladders needed. Private tours and school tours
available midweek by appointment. |
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Restrooms Available
