Done. Finished. Kaput.

The layout of the orchard, that is. I have described it as a 5-D puzzle without the picture. I love puzzles. But this one has gotten to be frustrating and changed too often so I really am glad to see it finished. I'm sure in years to come we probably will say "if only"... about 423 times (that's the number of trees we will plant in the next 3 months, Lord willing) but we honestly have done our best. Several people have been invaluable with feedback and questions and experience and knowledge, most especially Mr. Bill Bunn. But now we will move forward and try to take the paper and turn it into an orchard. We can't burn yet (burn ban from the drought is still on per the governor's orders) but as soon as we can, we will burn, lime, plant clover and begin putting trees in the ground. This week ahs also seen many hours spent on determining the best watering tank/system. Amazing how many hours these things take if you want to try to make a good decision. And answers about root borne diseases, termites, marketing data on this year's crop, possible ways to visit a large orchard in Texas, more information about varieties and pruning and another week is gone. I can't seem to find a way to post the layout of the orchard here right now but I might come back and do so soon (after I order more printer ink and it prints clearer for a scan). Here's the rundown of the numbers, though:
Pawnee 115; Kiowa 98; Desirable 61; Oconee, Sumner, Stuart 34 each; Forkett 27: Cape Fear 16; Nacono 23 (if we can get them) - total count 442.
After first thin in 7-10 years we will have 239 left and after second thin we will have 128.