As early as 1814, the Peirce family advertised in Washington newspapers that it had 20,000 apple trees for sale at its farm surrounding the mill. Linnaean Hill, the nursery founded by Joshua Peirce, son of patriarch Isaac Peirce, was a major supplier of plants to landscapers in the city’s early days. For more on the history of the orchard, please see this blog post.
The old orchards are gone, but in 2012 the Friends of Peirce Mill created a demonstration orchard behind Peirce Barn. The National Park Service previously cleared that site of invasive shrubs and vines. Casey Trees donated two dozen apple and pear trees, and organized volunteers to plant them.
In early 2017, Tim Makepeace, an artist and Brightwood DC resident, took charge of the orchard. Working with volunteers, Tim spaced the existing trees to allow more room for growth, and grafted stock of classic American cider apples. Tim and the volunteers also amended the soil and sowed cover crops to improve fertility. The Park Service contributed many truck loads of mulch ground from downed Rock Creek trees.
Tim recommended the installation of a deer fence around the entire orchard to give more room for branching and to prevent the deer from nibbling the tree tops. Volunteers from the Deloitte LLP company’s Washington offices devoted a day of service to raising the new fence.
In early 2017, Tim Makepeace, an artist and Brightwood DC resident, took charge of the orchard. Working with volunteers, Tim spaced the existing trees to allow more room for growth, and grafted stock of classic American cider apples. Tim and the volunteers also amended the soil and sowed cover crops to improve fertility. The Park Service contributed many truck loads of mulch ground from downed Rock Creek trees.
Tim recommended the installation of a deer fence around the entire orchard to give more room for branching and to prevent the deer from nibbling the tree tops. Volunteers from the Deloitte LLP company’s Washington offices devoted a day of service to raising the new fence.
COVER CROPS