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drawbacks. So Sellers began a quest for the best spot to start a new orchard.
“I drove in a range of 500 miles looking for the right soil and terrain. Looking for a place closer to Washington (DC),” remarked Sellers who said that it wasn't a quick or easy search. “It took me fifteen years of driving all around these roads to find a place.”
In the end Sellers found what he needed: a hillside plot facing Southeast, with some gravel and soil rather than the ubiquitous Virginia red clay. “See this soil? This used to be a seabed, before the mountains rose,” Sellers lectured as he walked amiably among his many rows of cherry trees occasionally plucking off a bunch to munch on.
Some ten years ago, Sellers began his venture here, planting trees, and grooming them for the seven or eight years they need to begin bearing fruit. There are a thousand trees atop the hill, all in dwarf varieties so they're easy to pick.
Among the tantalizing varieties are red Bings, black Hedelfingens, blush and yellow Raniers and Royal Annes- and a half dozen more. They're grown naturally, and, while not fully organic, Sellers keeps chemicals to a minimum. He sprays the leaves with a nutrient mix made from seaweed, rather than using chemical fertilizers, for instance. His crop is lush and bountiful.
Come up and take a look for yourself.
Go down the Fodderstack, turn onto Rte. 641. and follow the signs. You can call (703) 845-1160 or email gary.sellers3@verizon.net to find out when he will be open for business. Oh, and if you know anyone who is shut in, Sellers will give you free cherries to take to them.
Bill Kossler may be reached at bkossler@timespapers.com
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