Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands have an ideal climate for growing apples, and some of the most incredible growers live and share their knowledge here. How lucky for us!
When we began Skywater Farm, there were two mature apple trees and three mature plums.
We met the fabulous Denman Heritage Apple people at a garden event and then the Saltspring Apple Company folks at the Saltspring Fall Fair, and our own orchard concept was born.
What was once a southeast pasture for horses is now a young orchard, with a delightful mix of eating, cooking, and cider varieties. We searched for heritage apples that were exceptional for their purpose and suited for our climate, and now have a range of trees in age from first year whips to ten years old.
Here’s what we’re growing:
King of Tompkins County Antonovka
Spartan Kamjin de Sonneville
Lodi Van der Pol Red
Gala Bramley’s Seedling
Fuji Yellow Transparent
Summer Red Sweet Bough
Belle de Boskoop Airlie Red Flesh
Liberty Calville Blanc D’Hiver
Reigne de Reignettes Grimes Golden
Fameuse Dabinett
Ashmead’s Kernel Jonagold
Winter Banana Gravenstein
This fall, there will be apples in the pantry, juice at the market and cider on the table. You can read about the trees’ progress throughout the year in the Orchard part of my blog HERE.
