Tag: Baldwin apples

Edible Petals

The Baldwin apple tree in my yard is teeming with blossoms this week. This classic heirloom apple was discovered around 1740 in Massachusetts. It became the most popular and commercially successful variety in New England right up until 1934, when a deep freeze killed millions of the trees, nearly wiping out the variety.

Baldwin blossoms are part of the rose family, and the petals are edible. They are noted for being highly fragrant and sweeter tasting than modern apple varieties. They can be used as a garnish for salads or desserts, in herbal teas, infused in liqueur or even made into apple bossom jelly.

Holden, MA

Lunch Break

From apples to zinnias: visitors can choose from a wide variety of tasty treats in my garden this week.

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit/ Scarlet Emperor Greens
Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird/Scarlet Emperor Bean Blossoms
Eastern Chipmunk/Acorns
Downy Woodpecker/Baldwin Apple
Monarch Butterfly/ California Giant Zinnia

Apple Art

Apple leaves that fell from my Baldwin apple tree onto a white table inspired me to add garden flowers and windfall apples to create this still life.
Keeping the leaves exactly where they had fallen, I experimented with the addition of a small garden bouquet of freshly picked flowers.
Windfall apples added contrast in keeping with the theme.
A gravel “frame” was a simple addition.
Baldwin apples trees usually bear fruit every other year, but this will be the second year in a row I am looking forward to harvesting Baldwins for applesauce, muffins, pie and other delights.
Central Massachusetts holds a special affinity for apples, as Johnny Appleseed was born in Leominster, Massachusetts.
Close-up photography highlights different aspects of the artwork.
The Baldwin apple is one of New England’s oldest, and was first discovered in Massachusetts.
Apple season is coming soon to Central Massachusetts!