_edited.jpg)
From FARM to HOME
OUR STORY
HOW IT ALL STARTED - HARVARD
Restoration Orchard is located in the Johnny Appleseed region of Central Massachusetts, where orchards once flourished. The Harvard property we purchased was once part of an 85-acre orchard dating back to the 1860s, later replanted in the 1970s after the hurricane of 1938 wiped it out. By the time we arrived, the orchard had been abandoned for nearly a decade. Invasive thorny vines had overtaken the 12–15 foot apple trees, choking them of sunlight and leaving most on the verge of death.
Though we knew nothing about orchards, we decided to take a chance. Over three years, we cleared the vines and restored the land, saving 120 trees—including 15 varieties such as heirloom Baldwin and Northern Spy. Building on that success, we adopted a modern trellis planting system promoted by university agricultural programs. More sustainable and efficient, it allows us to grow higher-quality fruit with less land. Today, our orchards include about 5,000 trees and 20 varieties, with more still being planted.
A FAMILY ROOTS STORY - WEST TOWNSEND
While our work in Harvard gave Restoration Orchard its name, our family's connection to apples run deeper-rooted in West Townsend, Massachusetts.
​
In the early 1900s, our great-grandfather, Erick Koskela, immigrated from Finland in search of a better life. On June 12, 1922, he and his wife, Fanny purchased property in West Townsend. Erick supported his family by farming, selling fresh fruit at the Finnish Farmers Market in Fitchburg. His dedication to the land laid the foundation for a legacy of hard work and resilience—values that still guide us today.
Four generations later, we carry that same spirit forward through Restoration Orchard. What began as one man’s hope for opportunity has grown into a family tradition of farming, restoring history, honoring heritage, and cultivating the fruits of generations.
SOME HISTORY
At 400 feet above sea level, and with the ideal combination of hot summer days and cool fall nights, New England is the optimal location for growing the majority of apple varieties available today. In fact, this is where apple orchards were first planted in this country. It was one of the most valuable crops as it was used for juice, baking, cider and canning. Many European varieties were brought over and planted here, and Colonists created hundreds of new varieties by grafting trees. When researching older varieties to plant, we were amazed to learn that during the Colonial period there were 10,000 to 14,000 different apple varieties in New England!
