Summer has definitely arrived in Loma Rica. The constant and rhythmic “ch-ch-ch-ch-ch” sound of the sprinklers as they disperse water around the yard and the throughout the orchard is the most obvious (and comforting) sign. Beyond the reach of the sprinklers is the dry, golden color of the native oat grasses and the vibrant blue sky. The days are HOT and nights are pleasant and cool. This is the time of year when we can look at our olive trees and predict what size of harvest we’ll have in the fall.

Irrigated Olives

The flower set was good on most trees, but I can see that by not doing the usual maintenance pruning last summer, I encouraged an alternate bearing cycle. The trees that were loaded with olives last year had nary a flower this year. That means that I’ll become even more friendly with the chainsaw and pruners this year… That being said, the fruit set looks like an average year; not too good, not too bad.