Seven years ago, after the birth of our first child, we made a life-changing decision. On our three-acre piece of land in Southern California, we decided to plant fruit trees—not only to provide us with fresh, healthy fruit but to create lifelong memories for our growing family. Little did we know how deeply fulfilling this journey would be for all of us.
We envisioned our children growing up surrounded by nature, learning the value of growing their own food, and enjoying the simple pleasure of picking fresh fruit right from the trees. Now, with two kids and an abundant harvest, our dream has come to life.
Choosing the Right Fruit Trees
When we started, we put a lot of thought into selecting the perfect fruit tree varieties. We wanted to ensure a year-round harvest, so we chose fruits that would thrive in Southern California’s unique climate. We focused on trees that:
- Suit our climate: Southern California has a Mediterranean climate, so we selected varieties that thrive with low chill requirements, meaning they don’t need a lot of cold hours to set fruit.
- Are drought-tolerant: As water is a precious resource, especially in this region, we picked some drought-friendly trees that could handle the dry conditions while still providing delicious fruit.
- Provide diversity: To enjoy fruit all year long, we planted a wide range of trees—citrus for winter, stone fruits for summer, apples, pears, figs, pomegranates, and more.
A Growing Family and Growing Trees
As the years passed, both our family and our fruit trees grew. What started as an exciting project turned into a family tradition that we cherish. We now spend time together outdoors, teaching our children about the importance of nurturing the earth, watering and caring for the trees, and, of course, foraging for ripe fruit. It has been incredibly rewarding to see our kids connect with nature, learn patience, and experience the joy of harvesting the fruits of our labor.
Harvesting and Foraging Together
After seven years of growth, we’ve finally started enjoying the fruits of our hard work—literally. Our trees are producing abundant harvests, and foraging together has become one of our favorite family activities. There’s nothing like the thrill of picking juicy plums in the summer or gathering crisp apples in the fall. The kids love running through the our fruit garden, fruits in hand, and it’s been a special way to bond as a family.
Planting these fruit trees has brought us closer together, and it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that we’re providing our children with not just healthy, homegrown fruit, but also valuable life lessons and lasting memories. Our fruit garden is more than just a source of food; it’s a reminder of growth, love, and the beauty of nature.
We look forward to many more years of watching our trees, and our family, grow and thrive together
