An Unexpected Experiment on Our Old Plum Tree

Fall has arrived at Ben Nobleman Park, and the park looks absolutely beautiful. The trees are slowly slipping into dormancy. Some still have green leaves hanging on, others are nearly bare, and the maples are bursting with reds and oranges. It’s one of those times when the park feels peaceful and alive all at once.

Well, it’s mid-October, and that means it was time for our end-of-year potluck — and what a wonderful gathering it was!

With rain in the forecast, we decided to move the celebration indoors to Susan’s house, and it turned out to be such a cozy, fun afternoon. The food table was overflowing with delicious treats: bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon, egg salad, deviled eggs, fresh salads and baby carrots and even a gorgeous Japanese-style rice cake. Annie brought her famous olive oil cake, and Eleanor’s pumpkin cake was also a hit — and lots more goodies!

Saturday, October 4th was an absolutely beautiful day in the park. The air was crisp, the sun was out, and it was the perfect day for our annual tool-sharpening party.

We pulled every tool out of our orchard shed—loppers, hand pruners, pole pruners—and lined them up on the our huge harvest table. Many of us even brought tools from home. Our mission was simple: clean and sharpen everything so they’re in top shape for the year ahead.