Nothing is better than tree ripened summer peaches. I have climbed a peach tree when I was about five or so. But I have to be honest and admit that I have never stopped to photograph peach tree blooms. A couple of weeks ago, I passed by a summer orchard and immediately wanted to stop. The trees were in full bloom and were a breathe-taking pink. I have since learned that the blooms appear three to five months before the peaches.

And the blooms appearance depends on the previous winter’s temperature. I imagine that the trunks of these trees have been painted or whitewashed to prevent disease. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

Before I left the orchard, my eye caught sight of this one, which was obviously much older and needed a little help getting through the season. This is why the tree had supports made from any board handy and strategically placed under key branches.