Hi everyone, I have some sad news that we are selling our farm and that means ending this blog. Sometimes your dreams and the life you plan for doesn’t mean it’s the life you are supposed to have and thats is what’s happening with us. We have decided to do something different and sell the farm. I know I will miss it every day for the rest of my life but farm life can be lonely. I want to thank each and every one of you who have read and followed this blog and you have made it a big success with over 1.8 million views. So thank you so much. So this is good bye, love you all.c
A Beginning Farmer
I have always wanted to be a farmer, but never had the money or the knowledge to live my dream until now. I have now bought the farm ground and am in the process of turning my bare land into a farm and myself into a farmer. I am finding out that it isn't always easy, but still love the journey. This is my journal of that journey.
Milligan's Gander Hill Farm 
I can’t wait to taste my sweet namesake.
We have an old variety called ‘Beauty of Bath’ here. It is a real hardy tree that produces lots of small sweet apples every year. You may be able to get it in US, especially if you can get the Cox’s. If not I send you some seeds in the Autumn!
Thanks Margaret, that would be great if you would do that. I would love to have Beauty of Bath in my apple collection. I had never heard of that variety before but its an old apple that originated in the south of England in 1866 by the town of Bath. It doesn’t need a another tree to pollinate it to produce apples so it may be one of those varieties that produce true from seed. So yes, I would love some. I will get back with you in the fall, thanks so much.
Very interesting, Gordon! Once you get established, I may take a drive and visit and taste and maybe buy seedlings if you start up that kind of business.
Thanks Matthew, I would enjoy that. I will keep you updated.
Gordon–
It’s good to see that you are doing well. When last we visited (two or three years ago) you promised to send us one-half a side of beef from your herd. Where is it or do I have to wait for a crate of apples?? Congratulations are making your dream successful. I do read your posting periodicaly and enjoy them.
David Glover
Hi David, good to hear from you. I am doing well and I hope you are too. Sorry about the beef, looks like you have to wait for the crate of apples lol. Anyway it’s good to hear from you and glad your still around.
Hi Gordon. Heirloom Apple Orchard ? What a great idea, especially with so many of the old varieties being lost, & replaced by the more modern “Heavy Croppers”. For many generations my family owned a farm in England, which had a fairly large Apple Orchard, with all of the trees dating from pre-war, & many of the trees originating from the 1900’s, & even beyond. Sadly when my Grandfather died a decade or so ago, the Farm was sold off, & the new owners dug up & cleared out the Apple Orchard within weeks of the purchase. It was interesting to read the comment about the “Beauty of Bath” variety. It’s a variety I’ve never heard of, even though I specialised in Fruit Trees in the UK, & also was born & lived the first 30 or so years of my life just a few miles from the City of Bath, lol. I’m looking forward with great interest to your future posts about your Heirloom Orchard. Steve
Sorry, I should have said the trees originated from the 1800’s, not the 1900’s, lol
Thanks Steve for your reply, and I feel the same about saving the old varieties and I was sad to hear about your Grandfathers farm and the new owners tearing out all those old apple trees, I know you must have felt sad about that. I hope someone was able to get some scion wood from those old trees before it happened. I had never heard about “Beauty of Bath” either until Margaret told me about it. No one sells that variety here in the states so I hope she follows through with sending me seeds.
Sadly Gordon there was nothing saved from the old Orchard, as nobody realised what the new owners were doing until it was too late. The old Plum/Pear Orchard on the farm suffered the same fate, although those trees were not as old (probably 50 years or so). So, out of interest, are you going to grow solely Eating Apples, or will you include Cooking Apples/Crab Apples ?
Mostly eating apples and a few that make good hard cider. I also want a few like Calville Blanc and Winesap for cooking, but not many.
I know where there is an old apple tree in SW Davis county Iowa near our ground. Its in a cow pasture, but it has a fence around it to protect it from the cows and deer. It is close to the county road. I am not sure who the land owner is but most of the residents in that area are very nice and I am sure would let you take a cutting. I will be glad to give you directions to this tree.
Mike
That sounds great Mike, I would appreciate that. Have you tried the apples?
Yes please email me Mike, I would love to know where this tree is.
Close to my home near Fairfield, Iowa is large, old, productive pear tree. No idea of the variety. The pears need to go through a freeze or two before they are ready to eat. Great keepers. If you want scion wood LMK.
We have had good luck with Iowa-Indian peaches.
Here’s our place https://www.facebook.com/The-FarmHouse-at-Hickory-Highlands-331410367008662/ 641-451-0438 if you want to visit
🥺 I’m so sorry, Gordon. I think about you every time I go by your road. 💔
Thank you, you should have stopped by
Shoot me a text 895 8364