Churchill Orchards, Ojai
A small organic tangerine grower in the Ojai Valley has carved out a niche by focusing on an incredibly sweet miniature tangerine which he has coined the Ojai Pixie. The sweet fruit is delicate and not able to be shipped. It is primarily sold locally at Farmers Markets and restuarants and also driven North in small quantities to Berkley restaurants and Farmers Markets by co-owner Lisa Churchill.
 |
| Ojai Pixie Tangerines |
 |
| Farmer and Orchard owner of Churchill Orchards was our guide |
 |
| Pixie Tangerines in the Ojai Valley |
After a short walk in the tangerine grove we stopped to admire trees laden with fruit.
 |
| Very rare California rain drops on Pixie Tangerines |
When frost is imminent a diesel powered wind machine serves to mix the warmer upper air with the lower cold surface air.
 |
| Wind Machine |
Grower Churchill demonstrated grafting techniques by slitting a Bacon avocado trunk then trimming a HAAS avocado cutting and inserting it into the slit.
 |
| Grafting Avocados |
 |
| Interesting fruit |
Orchards and bee hives go hand in hand. This newly constructed bee hive was built for this Pixie Tangerine orchard.
 |
| Bee Hive |
 |
| Avocado Fruit |
 |
| Avocados |
Avocados have male blossoms in the morning and female blossoms in the afternoon. Grower Churchill points out the male Avocado flowers.
 |
| Avocado Flowers |
New plantings of Tangerines at Churchill orchards in the Ojai Valley.
 |
| Newly planted fruit trees |
Surprisingly, watering is done at Churchill Orchards using city water. The future of the water supply is in question due to the current drought.
 |
| City Water Mains for irrigational purposes |
