Writings from the Orchard
Welcome to our collection of stories and reflections from life at Himalayan Orchard, a working farmstay in the high hills of Himachal Pradesh.
Over the years, Michael has documented the seasons, stories, and small absurdities of orchard life in a blog that meanders — as the best walks do — through farming, local folklore & history, Himalayan weather, and the many quirks of working the land as well as some personal life stories. These seasonal letters chronicle the turning of the year, apple harvests and hailstorms, monsoon moods and spring blossoms, encounters with wildlife, meditations on farming, and the curious joys & downside of rural life in the Indian Himalayas.
Whether you’re interested in orchard care, artisanal cheese-making, Buddhist retreats, or simply the quiet rhythms of life lived close to the land, we invite you to explore this growing archive of writings.
You'll find the full blog archive here, or browse a few selected posts below.
Chilling
October 2017
What does it really take to start your own apple orchard? In this witty and informative post, Michael digs deep into the science (and art) of apples—from the vital need for winter chill hours, to unlikely rootstocks, grafting tips, and explosive cider bottling mishaps. Whether you're a hopeful grower or simply apple-curious, this piece is as educational as it is entertaining.
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October 2017
What does it really take to start your own apple orchard? In this witty and informative post, Michael digs deep into the science (and art) of apples—from the vital need for winter chill hours, to unlikely rootstocks, grafting tips, and explosive cider bottling mishaps. Whether you're a hopeful grower or simply apple-curious, this piece is as educational as it is entertaining.
Read More →
Transhumance
November 2017
The slow seasonal movement of shepherds and their flocks still shapes the rhythm of the high Himalaya. Michael reflects on this ancient pastoral tradition and the changing realities around it.
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November 2017
The slow seasonal movement of shepherds and their flocks still shapes the rhythm of the high Himalaya. Michael reflects on this ancient pastoral tradition and the changing realities around it.
Read More →
Phurbu the Magic Dagger
August 2018
A traditional Tibetan ritual dagger known as a phurbu- Michael recounts a curious journey into the symbolism and cultural layers behind the object—part weapon, part talisman— steeped in Himalayan lore.
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August 2018
A traditional Tibetan ritual dagger known as a phurbu- Michael recounts a curious journey into the symbolism and cultural layers behind the object—part weapon, part talisman— steeped in Himalayan lore.
Read More →
Monsoon Arrives, Pizza Rises
June 2023
With the monsoon finally reaching Himalayan Orchard after an unusually wet spring, Michael reflects on the season’s challenges and charms: a scant apple crop, late-evening wood fires, and the long-awaited arrival of a hand-built, applewood-fired pizza oven. From Buddhist retreats to mozzarella-making with Gujjar buffalo milk, this letter from the hillside is a lyrical snapshot of monsoon rhythms, creative projects, and good friends.
Read More →
June 2023
With the monsoon finally reaching Himalayan Orchard after an unusually wet spring, Michael reflects on the season’s challenges and charms: a scant apple crop, late-evening wood fires, and the long-awaited arrival of a hand-built, applewood-fired pizza oven. From Buddhist retreats to mozzarella-making with Gujjar buffalo milk, this letter from the hillside is a lyrical snapshot of monsoon rhythms, creative projects, and good friends.
Read More →