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Our Favorite Pumpkin Crafts

Posted by :Julia Prince On : October 3, 2016
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Pumpkins are one of Mother Nature’s most versatile fruits—you can cook ’em, bake ’em, decorate with them, or carve ’em up into jack-o-lanterns. Here are some of our favorite pumpkin crafts and decorating ideas.

Felt costumes for pumpkin craft

Layered Felt Pumpkin Masks

Transform your pumpkin into an adorable critter—this blog includes patterns for a black cat, horned owl, and sly fox—with paint, felt, and googly eyes. No carving required!

Source: Lia Griffith

Pumpkin Crafts - Emoji Pumpkins Painting

Emoji Pumpkins

Another easy, no carve pumpkin craft. Cute, friendly, and so fun!

Source: Cute fetti

White pumpkins and antlers table centerpiece

Rustic White Centerpiece

A white color palette is simple yet sophisticated. Create a gorgeous centerpiece for your fall table by arranging monochromatic pieces with varying textures and heights into a loose oval down the length of the table.

Source: Tone on Tone Antiques

Pumpkin lantern craft

Pumpkin Lanterns

These polka dot lanterns are a fun twist on the classic jack-o-lantern lights.

Source: Design Love Fest

Succulent pumpkin planter

Pumpkin Succulent Harvest Decoration

These colorful, natural decorations require no cutting, do not harm the plants, and make lovely hostess gifts for Thanksgiving. Plus, who doesn’t love succulents?

Source: Simply Happenstance

pumpkin craft house numbers

Pumpkin House Number

A lantern with purpose! Use stencils to carve your house number, one digit per pumpkin, to help after dark guests find your home.

Source: Sunset

Do you have a favorite pumpkin craft we missed? Share it on our Facebook page!

Visit our pumpkin patch, open daily, to find the perfect pumpkin for your pumpkin projects!

Mid-June Crop Update for Chiles Peach Orchard

Posted by :Cynthia Chiles On : June 16, 2016
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Pick-Your-Own Peaches Will Be In Short Supply…

As you are likely aware, we’ve had some major challenges with the weather this year. Our winter was extremely warm (warmest on record, as a matter of fact), so our peach trees didn’t get all the dormant time they require. They also bloomed in mid-March, 3-4 weeks earlier than normal. This means they were quite advanced when the mid-April freezes and frosts hit us. We had several nights below freezing, and even some nights in the low-mid 20s’. Our peach crop in Crozet, which is a rather low elevation, suffered significantly. For the past few weeks we’ve been watching with hope as the fruits start to form, only to then drop off the trees.

Because of this, we will have a very short supply of pick-your-own peaches at Chiles Peach Orchard this year, and they will likely be available sometime in July (stay tuned, we will keep you posted). We will, however, have plenty of our own already picked peaches for you (see below), no never fear – you can get your peach fix! We appreciate your understanding, and we will always provide you with the very best that we have.

Peach blossoms after cold snap

Henry Chiles checking peach trees in the spring for live blooms after a cold snap

But, Already-Picked Peaches are Available

Fortunately, we grow peaches on other land in Albemarle County, and some, at higher elevations, were less affected by the freeze. We’re pleased to let you know that we are supplying our farm market with our own peaches this summer, as always. Clingstone peaches are in season now, and we expect our first freestones in mid-July. Nectarines, white peaches, and donut peaches should be available by late June.

Ready-picked peaches in Crozet

NEW! Pick-Your-Own Blueberries

We first planted our blueberry bushes 3 years ago, and we’re happy to report that this year, we do have a small crop! Picking will be available off and on throughout the summer – it varies depending on weather and crowds – feel free to call ahead, or watch our facebook and twitter pages for daily updates.

New! Homegrown Vegetables

New this year—we are growing summer vegetables and flowers! We harvested our first zucchini today, and will have squash, tomatoes, bell peppers, green beans, and cut flowers in our market most of the summer. Farm fresh, local, homegrown—and all delicious and beautiful! Check out our selection next time you stop in!

Baby tomatoes - vegetables at Chiles Peach Orchard

Tomatoes, and other vegetables, grown at Chiles Peach Orchard will be available in the Farm Market

Ready-Picked Lodi Apples Available Soon

Our apple crop in Crozet is looking very good so far!

Summer apples—our first Lodi apples will be available (already picked) within the next few days. These are wonderful for frying, cooking, and applesauce. They will be in season for about 2-3 weeks, so if you are a fan, you’ll want to stop in soon!

We anticipate our first pick-your-own apples in mid-August – but stay tuned for updates throughout the summer.

Pumpkins to be Planted This Week

Our pumpkins are being planted this week (so no frost damage as of yet!!). With lots of hard work, luck, and help from Mother Nature, our pumpkin patch will open in mid-September.

Stay tuned to our social media pages for updates throughout the summer!

We’re Not Opening for a 2016 Cherry Season and Here’s Why

Posted by :Cynthia Chiles On : May 25, 2016
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In the orchard business, we can control a lot of things. The weather, however, isn’t one of them. Mother Nature has the final say, and she determined that we didn’t need any sweet cherries at Spring Valley this year. While we don’t agree with her thinking, all we can do is go along with it.

The winter of 2016 was one of the warmest in a while, and our fruit trees showed it. Trees bloomed 3 weeks earlier than last year, and while that seems like a welcome entrance to spring, farmers know that it can mean problems later. While it’s not unusual to have some sub-freezing temperatures in April, it’s not normal for the trees to be as advanced as they were this year. Our cherry trees in particular were in their most vulnerable stage, with the blossoms fully opened (and unable to protect the embryo cherry inside).

Some of the damage was visible immediately (the blossoms turned brown, a sure sign). We did hold out hope for a while for a partial crop, as some of the cherries continued to develop and seemed that they had survived. However, the cold temperatures proved to be too much for them. The cherries grew for a couple of weeks, and then started falling to the ground. We are left with trees with no fruit for this year.

While we may have a few cherries that we can sell as already picked, there are not nearly enough to open Spring Valley Orchard for pick your own cherries this year. We’ll miss seeing you, and hope you will visit us at Carter Mountain Orchard and Chiles Peach Orchard. We’ll be back strong, Mother Nature willing, in 2017.

What do you do when it’s so cold outside?

Posted by :Cynthia Chiles On : February 15, 2016
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We get a lot of questions about how winter weather affects our crops. We typically like the cold weather – our fruit trees require a certain amount of “chilling hours” in the winter for dormancy so that they can produce the volume and quality of fruit we need. However, the temperatures over the weekend, in the single digits, were much colder than is good for our trees and other crops. Mature trees can typically handle the cold temperatures, but the younger trees, as well as our berries, don’t fare quite as well. We double-covered our strawberry plants to protect the tender vegetation so that we can produce a crop this year. It takes a lot of manual labor to pull these covers and secure them. Our temperatures got down to 7 degrees Sunday morning……brrr.

Covered strawberry plants

Keeping the strawberry plants warm!

Once the weather warms back up, we will uncover the plants so that they can take advantage of sunshine so they can continue to grow.

As far as snow – we love snow! When the weather is cold enough for snow, it helps us get our required chilling hours. The snow also is wonderful for restoring ground water for the spring and summer (when it is often dry). A long winter is good for our crops. It will be spring before we know it!

Ready to Pick Your Jack O’ Lantern?

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : September 29, 2015
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Big ones, little ones, white ones, orange ones…nothing says autumn like a pumpkin!

We have thousands of pumpkins to choose from, in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether you’re looking for a small, bright pumpkin to liven up a mantelpiece or a large one to turn into a “mumkin,” we have the pumpkins for you.

Looking for a fun family activity? Get crafty with pumpkins by carving a spooky jack-o-lantern or painting a seasonal pattern (or, show your team pride with this decoration!). For more pumpkin craft ideas, visit Pinterest.

Want to pick ’em right from the field? Visit our sister farm, Chiles Peach Orchard in Crozet for pick-your-own pumpkins!

We’re always committed to being “local.”

Most of the jack-o-lantern pumpkins are grown by our local partners out of Nelson County, and we grow all of the gourds and specialty pumpkins over at Chiles Peach Orchard.

Want more local produce and merchandise? Browse our Country Store on the mountain or online! (Don’t forget to pick up some of your favorite fresh cider donuts!)

Mini pumpkins available at Chiles and Carter Mountain

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Pumpkins and fresh cider donuts

Fun Fall Family Outing: Pick Your Own Apples & Pumpkins

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : September 28, 2015
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With summer officially behind us, Chiles Peach Orchard welcomes a new time of the year—apple and pumpkin season!

Orchard visitors are invited to pick your own apples and pumpkins now through November or stop by the Farm Market for fresh, ready-picked fruit. Have a craving for a specific variety? Be sure to check our fruit availability guide.

Apple and pumpkin picking is the perfect family outing and a relaxing way to enjoy some fresh air with a group. Take in the scenic views while exploring the Orchard and be sure to to collect enough apples for everyone- trust us, they’ll go fast!

With “pumpkin spice” mania all around us, get back to basics with an old fashioned pumpkin or gourd. Pick a pumpkin to cook into your favorite treat or select a variety of specialty gourds for seasonal home decor.

The Orchard is overflowing with a bounty of all kinds of specialty pumpkins all grown at Chiles! Have you ever heard of Cinderella pumpkins, cheese pumpkins, or “monster” gourds? Come see them for yourself!

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Chiles Peach Orchard in Crozet, VA with Pick your own fruit

Fresh air never tasted so good! C’mon, get out of the house and enjoy a day at the orchard.

 

 

Our Apples are Out Of This World!

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : September 21, 2015
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“Good” doesn’t even begin to describe the fresh, out of this world apple crop this year! “This year’s crop is among the best that state has produced in years,” according to the Virginia Agriculture and Consumer Services Department.

With cooler nights on the way, Carter Mountain apples will be crisp and better than ever.

Visit our Pick Your Own Fruit page for the 2015 apple harvest schedule.


Video courtesy of Newsplex.com

Apple Picking Has Begun

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : August 7, 2015
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Stay Local, Play Local at Carter Mountain

Carter Mountain is your summer “staycation” destination!

Pick Your Own Fruit

Come pick your own fruit and enjoy a view that goes on for miles. Our tree-ripened peaches are still in season, and apple picking has just begun! Come pick your own Ginger Gold apples—sweet yet tart, crisp and juicy. Ginger Gold apples make a great fresh snack and also shine in salads, baking, and sauces.

Learn more about our apple varieties and apple availability at Carter Mountain.

Events for the Whole Family

Join us for a Charlottesville summer tradition, the Thursday Evening Sunset Series! Each Thursday night, through September 24, we stay open til 9 p.m. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m., with hayrides (weather permitting) from 5:30 p.m. til dusk, and live local music from 6 to 8:30 p.m. See who’s playing this week.

We’re also excited to announce our first ever BBQ challenge! The Thrill of the Grill: Mountain Top BBQ Cook Off will be held on Saturday, August 15th.

Get a Taste of the Mountain: Wine & Hard Cider

Prince Michel Winery and Bold Rock Hard Cider each have tasting rooms on Carter Mountain, and are open each day from 10 a.m. til closing for samples and sales. The wines and ciders are made with grapes and apples grown on our farm!

Video clip courtesy of Newsplex

That’s a Wrap on Cherry Season

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : June 22, 2015
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Spring Valley is officially picked out of cherries and is closed for the 2015 season. Thanks for your loyal support again this year.

The market stand at Spring Valley OrchardEach year is different based on weather. This year we opened the season on May 29th and had about a 3 week season, which is a little shorter than normal. Mark your calendars for next year!

Check out some photos on Facebook from our great customers!

We appreciate you all, and hope to see you at Chiles Peach Orchard and Carter Mountain Orchard real soon!

Ain’t Summer Just Peachy

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : June 11, 2015
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Today is the opening day for the pick-your-own peaches season at Chiles Peach Orchard, located in beautiful Crozet, VA. The peaches are tree-ripened and ready to be picked, so bring the family for a tasty day of fun in the sun.

With several varieties of peaches ripening at different times throughout the summer, visiting the Orchard once just isn’t enough. Check back throughout the season for your favorite yellow, white, and donut peaches. We anticipate this year’s peach season will go through mid-September. Check our Facebook page for picking updates and start planning your visit!

We’re open this summer Monday to Saturday from 9am until 6pm, and Sundays from 10am until 5pm.

Pick-your-own and ready-picked peaches are also available at our sister farm, Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville, VA!

Learn about picking, preserving, and baking with peaches.

Chiles Family Orchards ©2025
P.O. Box 229
Batesville, VA 22924
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