Number 61 Map 4 Hawkesbury Harvest Farm Gate Trail maps
Signs written by visitors to the orchards
A sense of humour is imperative if you are a farmer
Apple blossom
Mark Silm
View from the back verandah of the house Mark's grandfather built
In a picturesque setting just outside Picton, Mark Silm, a third generation farmer, and his wife Lynelle run Cedar Creek Orchards. Here you will find, in season, apples (4500 trees), stone fruit (18000 peach and nectarine tree) and persimmons (7000 trees).
Mark tells me that his grandfather bought the property (in the early 1940s), his father built it up and Mark is working very hard to hang on to it. By diversifying over the years into stone fruit and more recently persimmons, the Silms have found new markets. Rising costs of labour, packaging, freight and rates means that the Silms must be always thinking about new ideas to market their produce. One way has been to produce 14000 litres a week of the most delicious apple juice (cloudy and clear) and apple/blackcurrant juice. We are shown the up to the minute technology Mark has invested in to produce his pastuerised juice.
The orchard itself is impeccably maintained, with large areas netted and water supplied from two large dams. Mark is assisted in this by his 83 year old father and seven full time workers.
As if they are not busy enough, the Silms also run tours of the property and are especially busy during persimmon season when large groups visit to pick their own fruit.
Please see the orchard's website for details of shed sales and other information.
Cedar Creek Orchard
269 Mulhollands Road
Thirlmere
02 4681 8457
Please visit the Hawkesbury Harvest website.
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