Peaches ripen at Taylor’s Orchard

GENTRY - Though spring weather seems to have pushed back the harvest by about a week, peaches are now ripe at Taylor’s Orchard in Gentry, and the orchard will open today to those who wish to buy freshly-picked peaches or pick their own.

Derby peaches were ripening on the trees Friday, and the peaches were abundant. Other varieties ripen less quickly and follow, making it possible for the Gentry orchard to offer fresh peaches throughout the summer.

“Derby is the earliest variety to ripen,” said Bill Taylor, owner and caretaker of the orchard. “There are 14 more varieties to come.”

Taylor said the orchard would open today and be open through September. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The orchard is closed on Sundays.

Taylor said his blackberries were also a week later than usual this year. He said he expected they would be ready for picking about July 10.

Freestone peaches - often the choice of those who can - are expected to be ready from mid to late July, and nectarines also should be ready in late July, Taylor said.

Whether going out and picking your own in the well-kept and mowed orchard or buying fresh picked fruit at the stand, visitors can expect “sweet” results when they visit Taylor’s Orchard.

The orchard is located on the southwest edge of Gentry on Taylor Orchard Road, at the corner of Marion Lee Road. (From the intersection of Arkansas Highways12 and 59, take Highway 12 west to Pioneer Lane south, to SWEPCO Road west, to Taylor Orchard Road south.

Turn west on Marion Lee Road, and you’ll see the sign at the corner of Marion Lee and Taylor Orchard Roads.

All the roads are paved until you reach the orchard.)

For more information, call Taylor’s Orchard at 736-2004.