Early spring always brings a sense of rejuvenation, vitality and renewal; a revitalization that we gardeners see in our plants’ new leaves and blossoms. The season also generates activity in plants that produce edibles, especially those fruit trees that flourish in the higher elevations of Arizona. But there is more to fruit trees than just a bountiful harvest; they bring seasonal interchanges of colors and textures that provide interesting diversity in our landscapes.
Fruit bearers’ spring blooms range in color from the purest bridal white and dainty pink to robust reds. Besides their visual glory, the sensuality of their sweet fragrances enhances any style of landscape. Then in autumn their leaf colors change to intense shades of red, glowing orange and solar yellow. Yes, edibles have it all, even if you never harvest a single fruit!
If, however, you are choosing fruit trees for their harvest, look for those that bloom latest; late blooming prevents frost damage that may take the fruits. Ask for help from your local nursery staff, which takes special note of the trees that do best locally and those that don’t. Like other nursery professionals, I have been observing local landscapes for years and have experimented with hundreds of plants to determine the hardiest and most productive of these fruiting wonders.
Granny Smith Apple is one of my favorite fruits. This apple is grown primarily as a dessert and cooking apple, but my mouth waters just thinking about a fruit freshly picked apple immediately eaten in the shade of this landscape beauty.
Arctic Supreme Peaches are taste-test winners for the sweet and tangy melt-in-your-mouth flavor. These large, white fruits are covered by a red creamy skin. Famous for its cold hardiness and consistent production, these trees produce very large peaches of the highest quality.
Moorpark Apricot is the best red apricot with a rich, luscious flavor. This large, firm apricot is a local favorite for eating out-of-hand. The delicate pink blossoms set a red-blushed fruit that is ready as early as Independence Day.
Stella Cherry is very cold hardy. Its heavy clusters of fruit resemble Bing varieties, but I find them to be sweeter than Bings. To many gardeners, the high quality fruits of this prolific bearer seem to take a backseat to its magnificent blossoms. A majestic Stella covered with its spectacular blooms truly is one of the breathtaking beauties of spring.
Grape Vines produce surprisingly well in our area. The fruits can be a tad smaller than their Napa Valley cousins, but they are sweeter than any grape this gardener has tasted. The vines’ long tendrils make great shade cover as they climb arbors, decks and covered patios. The strongest seedless producers are the Flame and Thompson varieties, but don’t dismiss the vineyard wine grapes.
Blue Sunshine Blueberry plants are hardy in the ground, but produce the best fruits when their showy shrubs are grown in containers. They make interesting additions to full-sun areas just off a patio.
For a touch of a genuinely southwestern crop, delicate Manzanita blossoms produce dark fruits of a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Whichever edible appeals to you and your landscape, be sure to plant an extra so you have enough to share with family, friends and with your local food bank. You might be surprised at how appreciative they are to share in your bounty. QCBN
Lisa Watters’s garden advice can be heard each week on the “Mountain Garden” radio show on KQNA 1130 AM & 99.9 FM, also broadcast on NPR signals KJZA 89.5 FM, KJZP 90.1 FM, KJZK 90.7 and KFZF 91.3 FM. Throughout the week Arizona’s Garden Gal can be found at Watters Garden Center located at 1815 W. Iron Springs Rd, Prescott, or contacted through her web site at www.wattersgardencenter.com
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