Memorial Orchard
Memorial Orchard Begins
Yesterday was an exciting day as the first steps in creating the Robin Aikman Memorial Orchard began in earnest. On a chilly February day, with a mid-day snow squall, five volunteers met at the garden and began the arduous removal of 13 much past their prime, apple trees. Without the help of past board member and volunteer, Josh Learner, and his Village Tree LLC equipment, this job would have been near impossible for us both financially and labor wise. Thank you Josh and Village Tree LLC!!
As many of you know the apple trees all over the Foundry Street property are overgrown and estimated at being 50+ years old. Our attempts at pruning them, to help revive them, over the years have been futile. They have been left to do their duty of making small, hard little apples for the deer and other wildlife. (There are still plenty of old apple trees left- no worries)
Robin Aikman was on the board of RGLSC (Rollinsford Garden & Local Sustainability Club) and was charged as our tree initiative director. She donated her own money to start the fund and during her time on the board she continued to raise money for the purchase of many trees which are planted around Rollinsford. Anywhere you see a new tree in town, odds are it was chosen and planted by Robin. i.e. to the right of the fire department, in the memorial area by the cemetery, to the left and right of Paul’s Integrity, at the Rollinsford Grade school and in downtown Rollinsford itself. Robin loved trees and was very passionate about planting them both for their beauty and their functionality. This new orchard will be a tribute to her commitment to make Rollinsford a better place- one tree at a time. The plan is to plant four apple trees and two pear trees in this cleared space. In addition, we are planting two Pawpaw trees as she had wanted to plant this unique to NH tree but didn’t get the chance. (All who knew her know she also LOVED Linden trees!)
The next step is for us to find a volunteer (s) to grind the stumps from the area. We will then purchase the trees for our spring planting. Our Famous Duck Race fundraiser in May will help us raise money for the cost of the trees and deer fencing along with an additional honey bee hive to help with pollination in the garden.
We are so please to be able to honor Robin by revitalizing this orchard on Foundry and by keeping the tree initiative going. We know she will be smiling down on Rollinsford as each new tree is lovingly put into the ground!
April 2024 update:
Stump Grinding has started!! Thanks Joe!!
RGLSC is a 501© (3) organization. Donations can be made using our “Donate” button on our web site rollinsfordcommunitygarden.weebly.com Volunteers are always welcome . Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 603-988-3222