Chardonnay

Producing a number of grapevines, Aaron’s Nursery often ships the Pinot Chardonnay grapevine to individuals interested in trying their hand at winemaking. Highly rewarding, this plant offers a pleasing addition to any garden, as well as a new avenue for exploration and enjoyment. The Pinot Chardonnay grape hales from the Chardonnay family, which is characterized by green skin and easily adaptable flavor. Fairly neutral on its own, the Chardonnay grape readily takes on qualities of terrier and oak, as well as tropical fruit nuances. It is also said that chardonnay is exceptionally malleable, thus it remains the perfect compliment to many other infused influences. Lending itself well to almost any style of wine, including dry, sparkling, or sweet wines, Chardonnay remains as the most truly versatile grape. As one of the most popular grape varieties, Chardonnay continues to be a staple in the wine production world. In fact, in France, Chardonnay continues to be one of the most popular planted grapes, likely due to its abundant presence in Burgundies, Chablis, and Champagnes. Chardonnay is also successfully grown in the states of California, New York, and Washington, as well as New Zealand, Italy, Canada, and Australia.

Originally thought to be the same as the Pinot Noir grape, researchers have recently determined that the Chardonnay grape is actually a cross between the Gouais Blanc and Pinot varieties. This cross is believed to be the result of Pinot Blanc cultivation by peasants in eastern France, and its eventual proximity to growth of Pinot by the French aristocracy.

What are the Major Types of Figs?

By: Aaron’s Nursery

At Aaron’s Nursery, we sell several types of fig trees. Perennially popular, many types of figs are grown for a range of purposes.

The fig fruit is an anomaly in the botanical world. For the vast majority of plants, the fruit structure consists of the ovaries of the plant. In the case of figs, the fruit is actually a flower turned inside out. Edible stem tissue makes up the majority of the fig fruit. The interior of the fig consists predominantly of transformed flower tissue.

Some 700 types of figs are grown around the world, and figs are some of the oldest trees to be grown by humans for food production. Figs can be divided according to a number of taxonomy systems, but one easy way to distinguish different families of figs involves the pollination process. Using this system, there are four fig types: Caprifigs, Smyrnas, San Pedros, and Common Figs.

Caprifigs do not produce any usable fruit, but they play an essential role in pollinating several other types of figs. Smyrna figs cannot produce fruit on their own, and they rely on the pollination of Caprifigs. The third type of fig, San Pedro, produces fruit twice a year. For one crop, the San Pedros require pollination from Caprifigs, but the second crop is self-pollinating. Finally, the Common Fig self-pollinates and does not require the assistance of Caprifigs at all.

Figs can be described by color, flavor, and texture. The most common colors for figs are yellow, black, and green. The texture of figs ranges from soft and squishy to somewhat firm, and figs also include crunchy elements, depending on the size and number of seeds. In terms of flavor, figs range from very sweet and bland to intense and fruity, sometimes with berry overtones. Certain types of figs are used for different purposes. The bland, sweet figs, for instance, are great in pastries and desserts, where they add sugar without overpowering the other flavors. More intense figs taste better on their own, or in combination with fruit and cheese platters.

To learn more about figs and fig trees, contact Aaron’s Nursery directly.

Planting Tips I: Fruit and Nut Trees

By: Aaron’s Nursery

When considering placement for fruit trees, the most important deciding factor is soil drainage, as they will not grow well without adequate drainage. To test drainage, dig a small hole in the ground that is about a foot deep and fill it with water. If the hole does not drain within three hours, the area does not contain suitable drainage for fruit trees. When digging the hole for a tree, it should be at least 18 inches wide and allow plenty of room for the tree’s roots. Using a pitchfork, loosen the dirt at the bottom and sides of the hole so that the tree can easily root itself. Sprinkle the hole with topsoil, leaving a mound at the bottom so that the tree receives the nutrients it needs to thrive. After placing the tree, spread the roots out in the hole and ensure that it is straight before refilling the hole and loosely packing the soil around the tree’s base. Use mulch around the base of the tree to provide continued nourishment, but keep the graft line clear of mulch and above ground. Do not forget to protect your fruit trees from both large and small animals. Keep young nut trees out of direct sunlight and harsh winds in a cool place. Before planting, soak the tree’s roots in water for a few minutes. The hole should be just large enough to accommodate the tree’s roots without crowding them. Loosen the dirt in the hole and throw some bone meal in the bottom. Holding the sapling in the hole, fill it about two-thirds of the way up while gently spreading the tree’s roots. Soak the roots before adding the rest of the soil and press it gently with a foot or the flat of a shovel. When you are done, take note of any special instructions for future care that have come with the tree.

Planting Tips II: Berry Plants

Aaron’s Nursery

Aaron’s Nursery is an online and in-person plant retailer based in Sumner, Georgia. Thanks to the warm Georgia climate in which its plants are grown, Aaron’s Nursery is able to offer one of the Web’s most comprehensive plant selections, including nut trees, fruit trees, bamboo, shade trees, flowering plants, grapevines, hedges, berry plants, and many more. With shipping available across the U.S. and internationally (the latter requires a $5,000 minimum purchase), Aaron’s Nursery provides customers with the plants that are most likely to thrive in their individual environment. All plants shipped by Aaron’s Nursery are packaged to last for 30 days in transit, with the bare roots coated in a silicon moisturizing gel called “Terra-Sorb” that keeps the plant moist. Aaron’s Nursery has its busy season from December to April, which is the dormant period during which gardeners are advised to plant deciduous trees. A small selection of plants, including fig trees, bamboo, shrubs, some bulbs, and palms, can be shipped year-round for planting. All plants sent by Aaron’s Nursery are inspected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture before shipping to ensure that they are healthy and free of disease or insects, but in the event of a mishap, the company does offer a free, one-time replacement guarantee. If a plant does not grow correctly over the course of a growing season, the customer can return the plant to Aaron’s Nursery for a replacement. In addition to selling plants, Aaron’s Nursery offers a number of useful guides for plant growth, care, and maintenance on its website, including a variety of videos. These guides address how to correctly plant and fertilize an Aaron’s Nursery purchase, and for trees that produce edible items, often include information on the best serving method for the fruit or nut.