When we purchased our Littleton, Colorado, farm, back in 1990, we noted a full-grown pear tree along one of the pastures. Over the years, it has produced pears that are often sparse and small; even that has been an accomplishment since late spring freezes often wipe out the blossoms.
This year, we have a magnificent crop of large pears, the most successful season to date. Though I am not especially fond of the fruit, I'll disperse some before the raccoons get more than their fare share.
Native to Europe and Asia, there are more than 3000 cultivars across the globe. Some European pear trees are said to live 50 years or more and ours must be pushing its limit. Considering the fact that we do not water our larger trees, that is some feat in this semiarid climate.
