Harvey & Laurie designed their house and hired Lopez Construction to build it in 1998. The views and privacy are the best assets of it's location. Overlooking the Grand Valley, Mt.Garfield lies to the north and the Grand Mesa to the east. It's only a 15 minute drive to downtown Grand Junction. Peach farms, vineyards, wineries, cattle ranches and hayfields surround the farm, so it is very rural in nature.
2,500 peach trees in 5 different varieties were planted in 1998. Harvest season runs from end of July to the first week of September. Those who have experienced eating a Palisade peach know that they are the best peaches in the world. It takes 3-4 years from planting the trees to generating a commercial crop of peaches. 500 new peach trees will be planted this year. An old orchard was taken out as they had run their course and were no longer productive.
The peach varieties include Newhaven, Paul Friday, Roza, Suncrest, Cresthaven and Blazing Star. Peach varieties harvest at different times, and are thus selected based partially on harvest time. These varieties ripen about 10 days apart, so that it extends the harvest season to 5-6 weeks. There is much to care for the peach trees throughout the year including pruning, thinning, spraying, fertilizing, irrigating, weeding and monitoring pests and viruses. Part of good agriculture is allowing 80% of the good bugs to thrive, as they feed on the bad bugs. The farm operation is not organic, but uses very soft practices in chemical applications.
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Springtime on the farm is always the most beautiful time of year. the fruit trees are in full bloom. Peaches, pears and plums show different colors of flower pedals. It's also the most susceptible time of year for freezes. In March and April, the potential for nighttime freezing temperatures is always possible. Freezing temperatures kill blossoms and fruit buds.
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