At last!  The long days and nights to finish the 2010-11 catalog are over.  It is at the printer's and we will begin mailing it out this week.  Now I have a little more time to enjoy the blessings of spring.

Prairifire Flowering Crabapples and California Poppies outside my office window (trying unsuccessfully to hide the irrigation pumps)

The last 2 weeks the sales staff spent a lot of time in our annual training.  Part of their annual training is walking through the scion wood orchard next to the office.  

 Rosie next to Helen Borchers Flowering Peach

 Lloyd also under Helen Borchers Flowering Peach

 Denise enjoying the early blooming Excel Lilacs (where is my Claritin?)

We spent a little extra time looking at the flowering crabapples - most of which are in glorious bloom.  Over the years crabapple sales have declined not only for us but for most growers as well.  I keep wondering where the sales went.  

It is a shame.  Crabapples are some of the prettiest trees in our orchard each spring.  Do landscape architects only know about Flowering Pears and Plums?  California has always been weak on crabapples, but even the strong market in the Midwest seems to have slowed dramatically.  If you have any ideas to share, post a reply to this article for all to see.

I have a favorite.  The Pink Perfection is absolutely stunning each Spring.  I can see it in the orchard from miles away - it nearly glows.  You can read more about it here: Pink Perfection Flowering Crabapple

Hope you have a wonderful spring!

Ron L.