Backyard Orchard Culture

I'm finally delving into the world of growing my own "fruit shrubs". The empty bed where I'm planting these trees is a bit undersized according to Dave Wilson Nursery's spacing suggestions, but I selected dwarf trees and will just do my best with the space I have (or don't have).

Three trees in one hole, spaced about 18 inches apart:

(Photos from Stark Bros. online catalog)

Spring Satin Plumcot Dwarf


















Shiro Plum Dwarf














Redheart Plum Dwarf



















And in the same bed, but in its own hole, I've planted another 'Stella' Cherry.

The trees I ordered came from Stark Bros. and they looked great upon arrival today. I cut the whips to "knee height" according to DWN instructions so branching will be lower-- and more accessible-- than your typical orchard tree. We'll see how it goes!

If you have a chance, check out the mature fruit shrub specimens at the Fair Oaks Horticulture Center. Pretty impressive.