Comments on: News from Markie

By: Joshua

Joshua — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 15:19:39 +0000

Excellent observation Michael. The “lake” is actually the a portion of the Potomac River as it heads out to the Atlantic Ocean. We planted an apple tree (a Kidd’s Orange Red) at our Grandparent’s cottage on this part of the Potomac a couple weekends ago (hence the water in the background). I thought we made mention of it in the post but it looks like we forgot too.

The pruning tip you mentioned is a valuable one. Grandma said they went out and cut their beautiful whip down to about 3 feet with a brand new pair of clippers to ensure a good clean cut! That is sure a hard thing to do.

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 13:14:03 +0000

Well Mark, sounds like you’ve got a fantastic start! You must have been a good listener to learn all of that. Where was it that you planted those trees? I didn’t know you had a lake on your land. One thing I must say about that last picture (just for the readers if you already know): it is absolutely essential to cut that whip of a tree about in half, just above a bud, or it’ll never be what it needs to be. The top growth must be in balance with the root system which has gone through a lot in the transplanting process, plus, in order to eventually hold a load of fruit you have to restrict some of the linear growth in comparrison to the trunk and branch diameter. Keep up the good work! It is exciting to see your progress. What you have just done sounds a lot like what God did for Israel in Psalm 80. May your trees take deep root and fill the land!

By: Jenny

Jenny — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 17:48:54 +0000

Thank you Markie for your words of wisdom! I really enjoyed reading your insights into planting apple trees.
Keep being attentive and applying yourself to everything the Lord calls you to do from planting apple trees to being diligent in your household chores. The Lord will bless it!!

By: Joshua

Joshua — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 11:06:16 +0000

Markie, I like your excitement for life! It was really fun hearing you tell me how to plant an apple tree. But what I really appreciate about you is your eagerness to learn. That is bearing fruit. Jesus never liked fruitless trees, and you aren’t one. The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise (Prov. 15:31).

By: Robert Staddon

Robert Staddon — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 03:38:26 +0000

What a great interview! I’ll have to remember some of these good tips from Mr. Up-and-coming orchardist!

Have you noticed how the Bible makes so many analogies to the planting and growing of a tree? A favorite, of course, is Psalm 1, where a man who delights in the law of the Lord is like a tree planted by a river. As it absorbs a continual supply of water (the Word), the leaves of the tree do not wither but instead break forth in prosperity!

By: Daniel

Daniel — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 21:31:28 +0000

Wow, what a knowledgable orchardist! I am honored to say that our family is going to have the privilege of hosting such a gifted individual next week. Looking forward to it! By the way, don’t forget to keep up the ping-pong practice. We are having quite a few good volleys!