​The Fruit Arboretum consists of a wide variety of fruit bearing trees, bushes, vines and brambles that can be successfully grown in mid-Missouri. There is a big focus on growing these fruits in a small space with low maintenance methods appropriate for the typical home gardener. As an example, there are two columnar apple trees that require minimal pruning and grow vertically with branches extending only 12 inches from the main trunk. These might be perfect for a home gardener with limited space. Additionally, there are five fruit trees growing in a Belgian Fence espalier style, which allow a grower to have five different types of fruit being grown in a very decorative and space conserving location.

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Example of a Belgian Fence Espalier

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Overall, the Fruit Arboretum contains 18 different fruit and nut trees including apple, peach, plum, apricot, pluot, nectarine, pear, almond, paw paw, and fig. Figs, while not native to our area, can be grown successfully and fairly easily with some extra protection from our cold winters. It is quite rewarding to see fruit grow and develop and then  taste it fresh from the tree. Some of the fruits grown in the Arboretum are impossible to find ripe in local stores because they are so perishable, so growing your own is the only way to truly enjoy the taste of ripe fruit.

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The Arboretum contains six different fruit bearing bushes including honeyberry, blueberry, gooseberry, currant and a Juliet cherry. Honeyberries are a unique fruit high in antioxidants that ripen early in the spring and are larger than blueberries. Bushes often take up less space than a tree and can easily fit into a home gardener's landscaping.

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The Arboretum has several different vines including several varieties of grapes and two varieties of hardy kiwis.

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One of the easiest fruits to grow at home is brambles. The Arboretum contains several different brambles: loganberry, three varieties of raspberries, and four varieties of blackberries.

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(3/31/2026)

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Description of photos below:

1. Juliet Cherry Bush in bloom

2. Halls Hardy Almond tree in bloom

3. Grapes ripening on the vine, bagged to protect from birds and insects

4. Figs ripening

5. Halls Hardy Almond ready to be picked from the tree.

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