A hefty blow by Mother Nature!

  Sometimes things are just not able to stand up to the forces of nature.  Mother Nature has been throwing a good bit of squally weather at us this spring and some of my fruit trees are succumbing to her winds.  The peach trees in the back are heavy laden with fruit causing the limbs to be much heavier than normal.   Add that to the fact that several trees were attacked by borers a few years back and those limbs are not able to endure any high winds at all.  Two weeks ago, we were dealt another round of stormy days and, sure enough, the largest peach tree bit the dust.  The tree split asunder causing great damage to even the part still standing.  It saddened me to see the hundred or so underdeveloped peaches trying to still mature on this branch.  I hated to make the cut but without some help, the entire tree would die.  I am still not certain it will survive this blow.

  Although for the past couple of years, we have not gotten fruit from the trees due to one reason or another, I had high hopes that this would be a bountiful year.  I miss my peaches!  Peaches are one of the best fruits to eat if you are wanting something sweet yet healthy. Research shows that the pulp in peaches can help ward off obesity related diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. They are also an excellent source of Vitamin C and fiber which help in the prevention of certain cancers.  Plus the Vitamin C helps to improve the skin and protect it against damage caused by sun exposure and pollution.  Think wrinkles here, folks!  Peaches, with their Vitamin C, help us avoid wrinkles!  

  Barring any other setbacks, the remainder of the trees are looking healthy. Mother Nature needs to calm down a bit for the rest of the growing season and allow the trees to concentrate on producing fruit! Hopefully, the coons, birds, squirrels and deer will find tasty treats elsewhere and leave the fruit alone.  I really would like some of my peaches!