Peaches, apples and pears, oh my! The community orchard at Spaulding Ranch was planted in 2021, and is maturing into a beautiful space for food production, learning and gathering. 

Each year, Extension Master Gardener and neighborhood volunteers have assembled to prune the trees for maximum air flow, light and fruit load. The peach trees are pruned to an open vase shape, while the apples and pears are on a modified central leader structure. 

What's new for 2026? Unfortunately, late spring freezes destroyed most of this year's fruit crop. A few hardy trees are still holding on to their fruit, and teams of city employees, neighbors, Extension Master Gardeners and Harvest Heroes veterans are keeping watch on what is remaining. In a normal year, we'd be expecting bushels of the most delicious peaches, nectarines, fresh eating and cider apples. 

Here's what you might see in the orchard this spring:

• Pheromone traps to monitor the presence of Apple Codling Moth and Peachtree Borer.

• Evidence of Peach Leaf Curl disease.

• Newly planted sour cherry trees. 

• Cover cropping in the alleyways between the trees - supporting nitrogen fixation and attracting pollinators and beneficial insects.