Fruit tree tags
A couple of you have asked for more info on our four-in-one fruit cocktail tree. I think the idea is genius. One tree receives three additional grafts of different fruit. In our case, the tree grafts include peaches, nectarines, apricots and plums.
We first learned about these trees from our neighbor, Gwyn. She’s in the process of creating an edible front garden. Pretty cool, eh?
My then ten-year-old son was so excited with the idea that he asked for one for his birthday. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving. The tree turns five this year. Sadly, we lost one of the grafts, the smallest and weakest of the four. The other three remain healthy and strong.
This is the perfect tree for gardening in small spaces. You get to grow multiple varieties on one tree. They even fruit at different times! Trees are available with up to six grafts in a related family. You can buy citrus, stone fruit or apple.
Our tree is in bloom with three distinct flowers. The bees arrived in between the storms. Don’t you just love that steady hum of industry?
Plum blossoms
Apricot buds
Peach buds
You can read more about ‘fruit salad trees” here. Please let me know if you plant one of your own.
Gardening Nirvana 
amazing!
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I know, right? They are really something.
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I’ve always loved the idea of a “fruit salad” tree. Let us know how it works out!
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Thanks, Sheryl. I will.
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Great tree, especially for those with smaller spaces. ~ Linne
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Exactly!
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Such a fabulous idea! We have tried planting apricot trees three times now, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed for the latest two. I must admit I’d love one of those trees in my garden but I suspect I won’t find one here! 🙂
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That is so cool!
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We love it!
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I can see how this tree would be such a gift for the small garden – and how lovely that your son wanted one for his birthday – does he get to pick the fruit and share it out too? I’m really curious about this phenomena and will have to come back and follow your link tomorrow when I have a bit more time – seem to be a bit overwhelmed with busyness at the moment!
I have just watched a recording of the Academy Awards and laughed when Ellen opened with a reference to your days of rain, assuring everyone you were all alright and thanking for the prayers and good wishes……… and was very pleased that Matthew McC got the nod for his unbelievable performance – and I loved his acceptance speech. I was watching this younger generation and thinking how beautifully they are maturing – with real depth and sense and commitment to the world good – I feel really heartened!
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My son is very protective of his tree, but oddly enough, not a big fan of that fruit. He loves berries. As I mentioned in another comment, it’s us against the rats and squirrels for now until the tree matures and produces a larger bounty.
I had forgotten about Ellen’s opening remarks. I love her style of humour and her energy. I think she’s great.
Dallas Buyer’s Club was top notch. I’m glad MM and Jared Leto both won. I was involved in theater in the eighties and worked with several men who later died from AIDS. The movie really brought back that time and place.
It was an optimistic show. I like your take on the younger generation.
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Do you know, I have no idea why I started rambling on about the Oscars in your post about a very clever multi-fruit producing tree…. thanks for sticking with me 🙂
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You were sharing a moment in time. I love that.
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🙂 You are so understanding!! xoxo
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So much magic in your garden 😀 How pretty a view that must be all full of blooms in different colours. I’m so looking forward to hearing the hum of some bumble bees, sigh. That might make for a delicious post all on it’s own. You could throw us snow clad northerners a bone, LOL. Do you eat all that fruit fresh? I used to love home canned peaches mid winter. I’m amazed that you grow oranges in your yard too. Amazing. xoK
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I took another photo of the entire tree today, but it’s cloudy so the photo didn’t turn out very well.
As for the fruit, the rats or squirrels picked it clean in one night. We were stunned. I tried putting netting over the tree the second year, fell off the ladder and felt lucky to be alive. Now the tree is to big to net, so I really don’t know what to do. I’m just hoping that as it grows and produces more fruit, they’ll be enough to ‘share’ with the foragers (as in they might leave some for us).
I grew up on canned peaches! Memories…
I will definitely do another post on the bees. We have mason bees, carpenter-type bees, and the third variety that I can’t properly name at the moment.
I wish I could send you fresh fruit and warmer temps. I’m sending them in spirit.
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a tree that is a treat for small gardens, a very clever idea!
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I like the way you said that. A treat indeed.
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I. Had. No. Idea.
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So cool!
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🙂
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I didn’t know you could one for peaches and apricots. I hope to acquire one soon. Do you have to spray it or anything?
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I don’t spray anything because so many of the things out there are toxic. So, we may lose a few, but what we get is okay.
Do you have to spray things in your garden?
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not really anymore. I have aphid traps to use and I used to use a rose dust for them but the dust has been banned here in canada. Kind of a bummer because it worked on all kinds of plants, but i guess it is for the good of my health. I think a lot of people do spray their fruit trees if they want bug free peaches, at least that is what i thought.
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I’m sure you are right. I wonder what was in the rose dust that caused them to ban it? As you say though, far better for your health.
I’ve read that part of the reason organic crops are so pricey is because a certain percentage of crop goes to pests. They grow 100%, nature takes 20% and they sell the rest. It’s more difficult when you grow on the scale of a home garden and only have fruit from one or two trees, isn’t it?
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I’m sure you are right. I wonder what was in the rose dust that caused them to ban it? As you say though, far better for your health.
I’ve read that part of the reason organic crops are so pricey is because a certain percentage of crop goes to pests. They grow 100%, nature takes 20% and they sell the rest. It’s more difficult when you grow on the scale of a home garden and only have fruit from one or two trees, isn’t it?
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I think the truth is we are eating 20% more bugs. 🙂
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LOL LOL LOL! I’m sure you’re right. Thanks for the giggle.
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So lovely! Is the tree still alive? How is it doing?
I planted an apple tree last year that has three different grafts of apples on it, one variety that is ready to harvest in the summer, one in the fall, and one in the very late fall. The tree is obviously still young, but I have high hopes for it!
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Nice. Our tree started with four varieties, but one of the grafts never took. The plums and apricots are dominant now and the tree is tall and healthy. We’ve had it for almost 14 years.
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