Ancient Apples Traditional Cache

One of the hidden gems of Garin regional park is a large heirloom apple orchard very near to the main parking area. The orchard started in 1985 with the backyard collection of noted apple expert Emil Linquist who spent his life conserving rare and unusual apple varieties. The collection has since grown to over 200 types, most completely unknown to the typical consumer. This beautiful gene bank echoes the fruit trees of settler Agapius Honcharenko, a Ukrainian refugee who tended orchards on these same hillsides. Today it is cared for by the Friends of Garin Park, a volunteer group that meets for work sessions every Wednesday. The orchard is not open to the public except during the annual Garin Apple Festival, normally held in early September, and for the apple harvest later in that same month.

$5.00 fee to enter the park when kiosk is attended, ususally weekends. Possibly free during the week.

The orchard is dedicated to the memory of Emil Linquist