I am an artist, cattle farmer, flower farmer, and a breeder and grower of peonies but my love of fruit trees, especially the apple, (and now plums) has expanded into a desire to learn how to grow them in my cold zone. I have been trying different methods of increasing apple cold hardiness in the North by rootstock selection, site selection and espalier methods. I am excited to learn from those on this site that are infinitely more knowledgeable than I. Hopefully one day I may return the favour to new members and will have accumulated enough experience to confidently add to the discussions.