Margaret's Orchard
There are two orchards to the north and northwest of the house, both planted mostly in apples and pears. The one closer to the house was planted a generation later than the one further west. The orchards are at least 50 years old.
Severson Apple
Oct 16, 2011 Standard tree, with some rotten wood. Fruit round or oblong-conical, depending on apple, small, with slender, long stem, closed calyx. Five crowned, slightly ribbed. Waxy (unctuous), with bloom. Background color yellow, over-color deep red overall, faint small white or grey lenticles, no russeting. Thin skin. Flesh cream, browning slowly. Seeds brown. Tastes mealy, not interesting. Could be a jam apple. Smells apple-y, much better than it tastes. Location N48 42.943, W-123 01.711.
Severson Pear
Oct 16, 2011. This enormous old tree dominates the hedge between the new orchard north of the house, and the old orchard northwest of the house. Many of the pears are scabby, but the tree is an abundant producer. Fruit peariform, measuring 7 cm up and 4 cm across. Pale green background color with brown lenticles and a few brown spots, scabby. Stem long and slender, off-center with small amount of russeting. Calyx open, distinct sepals. Pulp is white, granular, star is deformed to show only four lobes. Seeds are dark brown, seem to be deformed. Tastes unripe and astringent, acid, juicy. Location N48 42.944, W-123 01.695. Joy says that Margaret Severson planted it.