Smarter Book: Epitaph for a Peach

Epitaph for a Peach, a book by David M. Masumoto, appeals to gardeners and non-gardeners alike. In it, Mr. Masumoto describes the travails of trying to keep the Sun Crest peach profitably in production on his family farm.

Sun Crest peaches are more delicious than the usual mass chain varieties, but they don’t travel as well and aren’t as striking in the display case. Dollar-savvy produce buyers for the large chains discount flavor in favor of visual features, in turn reducing demand and pricing for the fragile Sun Crest peaches. Saving the Sun Crest peach involves dipping into organic agriculture practices and debating ideals versus dollars.

If you read Epitaph for a Peach, you may understand why I planted a 63 tree orchard in the front yard of my southern CA home. Living in my area of the country, it’s not simple to explain why I feel this is the best use for valuable land. The neighbors see how little free time remains after caring for the trees and vegetables, how high my water bill is as well as the angst caused by high winds and unseasonable temperatures. In my turn, I talk about the joy of growing my own organic food, the sense of accomplishment, and the peaceful feeling I have from living in tune with the seasons and rhythms of nature.

Last night my book club enjoyed an evening under the stars in my orchard. I tried to share why I love the trees so much. I wasn’t that successful, but I am certain that next month as they read Epitaph for a Peach they will begin to feel some of what I feel when I eat my own fresh peaches. I hope you’ll consider reading this book too.

Happy gardening–and reading.

Melissa Saltman, the planet friendly gardener

See also: