Orchard View

The land has mostly apples - of several varieties, also plums, apricots, cherries, peaches, and walnuts - I've probably forgotten some. The holy oaks are protected from being ever cut down. The leaves are normally harvested every year - quite a savage pruning that belies their sacred status - for feeding to overwintering livestock. We have to pay approx 1500Rs every year to a local god - enabling us to keep our leaves ON our trees - as a result our oaks are magnificent specimens and provide lots of cover for numerous species. We're hoping to interplant with Deodars (and other indigenous species) as the orchard will lessen in productivity in 25-30 years.. the prized timber will ensure that Ashish's generation will have some cash crop and materials for any major house maintainance.