Many a storm has come through, but the dense 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.

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.

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!