Cherries, cherries and more cherries is what many people are talking about this time of year. It may seem odd to be talking about cherries in the February, but the 2nd month of the year is national cherry month. This means that many of the people living in the leading cherry producing state are getting ready to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms that will begin to show themselves within a few short months. Like in the previous years, these freshly grown cherries will go to produce the 2012 batch of tart cherry capsules, dried cherries, cherry juice and more. However, for those who may not live in Michigan, which grows over 65% of the annual U.S. tart cherry crop, and who may not be able to see cherry blossoms first hand, we’ve put together some photos and videos of cherry orchards and blossoms for all to enjoy. Many of these photos and videos were taken within a very short distance of our location in Bellaire, MI. What makes Northern Michigan so friendly to growing cherries is this part of the state has rolling hills that slope upward along the shore of Lake Michigan and a number of the lakes in the area. This allows the wind to provide wind drainage for the crops and keep them warm in the winter months and cool in the summer months. Check out the following for a more detailed definition: The cool temperatures from the surrounding lakes help to cool blossoms and the cherries. This constant cool air helps the fruit to mature slower thus ripen much slower. Basically this allows more time on the trees. On the flip side, during the cold winter months, the same bodies of water provide some warm to the trees. In addition, since much of this part of Michigan is also in the “Snow Belt” the deep snow helps to provide warmth to the roots and trunks of the trees. In reality snow is a very good way to retain warmth when compared to being exposed to the arctic-type of temperatures.
about cherries in the February, but the 2nd month of the year is national cherry month. This means that many of the people living in the leading cherry producing state are getting ready to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms that will begin to show themselves within a few short months. Like in the previous years, these freshly grown cherries will go to produce the 2012 batch of tart cherry capsules, dried cherries, cherry juice and more. However, for those who may not live in Michigan, which grows over 65% of the annual U.S. tart cherry crop, and who may not be able to see cherry blossoms first hand, we’ve put together some photos and videos of cherry orchards and blossoms for all to enjoy. 
Many of these photos and videos were taken within a very short distance of our location in Bellaire, MI. What makes Northern Michigan so friendly to growing cherries is this part of the state has rolling hills that slope upward along the shore of Lake Michigan and a number of the lakes in the area. This allows the wind to provide wind drainage for the crops and keep them warm in the winter months and cool in the summer months. Check out the following for a more detailed definition: The cool temperatures from the surrounding lakes help to cool blossoms and the cherries. This constant cool air helps the fruit to mature slower thus ripen much slower. Basically this allows more time on the trees. On the flip side, during the cold winter months, the same bodies of water provide some warm to the trees. In addition, since much of this part of Michigan is also in the “Snow Belt” the deep snow helps to provide warmth to the roots and trunks of the trees. In reality snow is a very good way to retain warmth when compared to being exposed to the arctic-type of temperatures.
