Millions of peaches, peaches for you

Puddicombe’s Winona orchard sees flavourful rebound after last year’s frost

By Cathie Coward | Photographer

Murray Puddicombe is checking on the early clingstone peach harvest at his family farm in Winona. Harrow Diamond peaches are one of a dozen varieties grown on the farm’s 15-acre orchard.

Freshly picked Harrow Diamond peaches at Puddicombe Estate Farm in Winona.

He says it’s a great year for peaches and cherries — a turnaround from last year, when a late spring frost limited the harvest. This year’s peaches are particularly flavourful.

Puddicombe Farm does not offer pick-your-own peaches because the fruit is too sensitive to handle. Freestone varieties will be available from mid-August through mid-September.

The Puddicombe family has been growing tender fruit on their Highway 8 farm for seven generations — nine, Murray notes, if you include the grandkids.