Picking

The use of picking machines is a new development for Nelson Orchards.

This approach uses a team to select the optimal fruit from all parts of the tree.

Planting

The soil is prepared.

Posts, wires and irrigation follow in preparation for the planting of new trees.

Winter Pruning

Tree maintenance takes place over the dormant winter months.

Skilled staff select branches to remove with an eye to tree shape and the crop the tree will carry in the following season.

Tree Training

The trees are pruned and tied down to allow the maximum amount of light into the tree.

Branches that are tied down will develop new fruit buds.

Spring Blossom

Bees busy polinating flowers to create new apples.

Spring Flowering

A magical time in the orchard.

Vailima Orchard

The Orchard nearly ready to start harvest.

Reflective Cloth

In some varieties we use reflective cloth to get the sun's rays into all parts of the tree.

This helps with colour development and getting the fruit ready for harvest at the right maturity.

Harvest Time

Under supervision pickers select the right apples to harvest.

Our trees are usually harvested in three seperate passes up to five day intervals.