Apple Seedlings Meet the Spring Sun

Growing an apple tree orchard in Northwestern Ontario

Putting these apple seedlings in the dirt last year felt like a massive gamble, especially knowing they’d have to survive months of freezing soil before we ever saw a return on our labour. This year is a bit later than last year for a lot of the plants, but the apple trees are doing terrific. Seeing that dark, glossy maroon foliage aggressively bursting out is the ultimate proof that the root systems took hold, anchored deep, and weathered the frost.

Out of the entire batch, nineteen individual trees successfully cleared the winter hurdle and are actively thriving right now. Having that high of a survival rate gives the summer program immediate momentum just as our outdoor schedule ramps up. Documenting this daily transformation isn’t just about data collection, it’s the reward for a full year of patience and hard work coming to fruition right before our eyes.

We can’t wait to see how they do this year, and will be capturing photos of them every few days. So stay tuned and follow along with us.

About the Author

Art Borups Corners

Administrator

Art Borup’s Corners is a northern arts incubator based in Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario, where community-led creativity, land-based practice, and digital innovation come together. Rooted in the cultural rhythms of the boreal forest and shaped by years of grassroots organizing across Ontario, Manitoba, Nunavut, and Minnesota, Borup’s Corners supports artists, youth, and community members through participatory storytelling, climate-focused projects, and creative entrepreneurship. From wild blueberry walks to immersive exhibitions and applied AI research, our seasonal programs and artist residencies foster connection, skill-building, and self-determined expression—all grounded in place, culture, and care.

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