Planting our legacy

The original farm had a couple of apple trees that have outlived all the previous owners. We don't know what type they are, and the trees are getting pretty decrepit. A high wind last fall split the one tree that was still fairly intact (it had an incredible load of apples on), but it survived the long winter, and is blooming this spring. It has produced huge amounts beautiful intensely red fruits with crisp tangy sweet white flesh, untended for over 30 years. We estimate the tree is 80-100 years old. The other tree, with one remaining trunk which lies horizontal to the ground with one fruiting limb propped in the crotch of a box elder tree, gives us several dozen red-striped yellow apples that have the best taste of any apple I've run across. We want to graft these two wonderful old specimens before we lose them entirely. I think the solid red apple may be the venerable Spartan, an old homestead favorite, and still available in some nurseries.
In the meantime, we have finally made the first steps towards establishing our orchard. Than helped me plant the first three sturdy trees, ordered from Starks.






These three dwarf types are Sugarsweet Pear (to keep the old Bartlett pear tree company - it's about the same age as the apple trees but still upright and also produces a good crop), a September Wonder Fuji apple, and a Honeygold apple.
This size tree has about a 10' spread, so by planting them on the very edge of the garden area they will shade about 4-5' from about noon on, providing a good place for summer greens to survive the hottest part of the day.
There are still 3 semi-dwarf apples waiting to go into the ground. They have about a 15' spread. We wanted trees that will be easier to maintain and harvest than the standards.
And these were all on sale - another major factor!
It feels good to be planting for the future. We love the farm and want to continue it's legacy of producing good wholesome and safe food for our family.