Many a storm has come through, but the dene foliage has helped protect our orchard, home, and tasting room.

We are a ZONE 4 growing region, meaning it can get pretty darn cold. Interestingly, it can also be extremely hot.  Weather and farming in Minnesota is a challenging roller coaster, but also contributes to great apple orchard health.  

Frosty winters do a number on pests, aiding in organic farming practices.  Cool nights in the fall are perfect for apples.  The apples react to tough conditions in interesting ways, and you’ll taste it in our cider.

Long ago our farm was buried by an ocean and the valley was created by glacial melt.  Our orchard is located on top of a bluff overlooking the Cannon River Valley. Our fertile topsoil rests atop sandstone, shale, and limestone. We can’t wait for our apple and grapes to get their roots down into the stone.

Surrounded by the Cannon River Wilderness Park, we are constantly in sight of old growth forest. Basswood, oak, maple, elm, and ash are the dominant species, but there is a diverse number of flora in the park, including the wild apple! The forest is a big reason we live here. We are lucky to have the protection from the wind and the constant calming presence that only a giant tree can bring.

A variety of species can be found here.  Deer, turkey, possum, raccoons, fox, butterflies, dragon flies, tree frogs, blue bees, leopard frogs, fox snakes, garter snakes, bald eagles, toads, rabbits, fire flies, pocket gophers, red tail hawks, bumble bees, and mosquitos are all neighbors who frequent or actually live on the farm.

Other less common neighbors are skunks, badgers, pheasants, praying mantis’, wood frogs, wood turtles, and great horned owls. All are welcome except for a few pests in the orchard.  In fact we gauge the health of the orchard and farm on how much wildlife we see!