Deb’s Orchard

My long-term goal is to establish a small, diverse orchard that prioritizes healthy soil, biodiversity, pollinator support, and high-quality local fruit production. I plan to continue working full-time while gradually building the orchard into a sustainable retirement transition that keeps me active, outdoors, and connected to the local community.

I’m especially interested in growing a mix of reliable Michigan fruit varieties along with select specialty crops that are less commonly available locally. I would also like to build relationships with local growers, beekeepers, and farm-to-table restaurants while creating an orchard ecosystem supported by native wildflowers and low-impact land management practices.

Professionally, I work in IT infrastructure and security, where long-term planning, attention to detail, and responsible management are essential. I’ve worked steadily since my teens, have owned and maintained homes, and have gardened most of my life. I tend to approach projects patiently and realistically, preferring hands-on learning, mentorship opportunities, and gradual growth over rapid expansion.

I’m actively attending Michigan State University Extension workshops to continue learning about orchard care, pruning, and crop management. My goal is not large-scale commercial farming, but building a thoughtful, resilient orchard that becomes more productive, beautiful, and ecologically beneficial over time.

In the future, I would love for the orchard to also serve as a small community resource, a place where people can find healthy local fruit, discover new varieties, and reconnect with the land in a meaningful way. I’m also interested in eventually offering small educational opportunities related to fruit growing, pollinators, and preserving diverse fruit varieties.