The "Apricot Orchard"

The "Apricot Orchard" at the California Nursery Historical Park

Or is it?

When the city took over the care of the old nursery property, the orchard was still intact. Over the 50 years of the park, the vast majority of the trees eventually died. Here in 1984 were some of the original Albert Etter apples that were tested for sale. Here is where Ram Fishman came (or communicated with Bruce) about the Etter apples. Did he collect scions? Records show that Etter apples were still sold after the property became a park. Were the other experimental Etter apples still here?

In 2000, about 40 apricot trees were planted in the historic Roeding Experimental Orchard. At that time, there were still some of the historic trees left - some apples and apricots. Now only two (or one) original apricot trees remain, planted among the forty apricots. Also planted were cherries, peaches, and nectarines. These trees are in severe decline or dead.

In 2015, there was a pretty good crop and ripe apricots fell unpicked onto the orchard floor. They were delectable! In 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 there were virtually no apricots. Why?

The orchard has not been regularly irrigated or pruned. The orchard is now full of disease and while the trees bloom freely, very few apricots make it. The spurs, twigs, and branches die back. 2022 had a very good crop despite the disease. Was it because they were getting watered?

In the opinion of two orchard experts in 2021, the trees have good form and might be renovated. Having established trees from the get-go is an advantage.

2018 Orchard "Task Force"

In 2018 a task force met to figure out how to renovate the orchard. The members had wide knowledge and experience. Team members had experience with fruit trees from many organizations such as: LEAF, Tri-City Ecology, California Rare Fruit Growers, Master Gardener program, and UC Cooperative Extension. The conclusion was that there was really nothing to be done until the orchard was properly irrigated and pruned. The trees may need to be sprayed with a fungicide.

Read about:

• Orchard Care

• History of John Rock's Mother Orchard

• History of the Roeding Experimental Orchard