Meet Karen Beller, David Morgan, and Laine 
Welcome to Bunny Laine Fruit
Set in a 40-acre orchard along the banks of the Okanogan River near the town of Malott, Bunny Laine Fruit is a brand new farm, established in the spring of 2006. Karen’s father Ray, has grown apples on this land since 1974. At 80 years of age, Ray is ready to slow down a bit and let David and Karen take over. They are expanding beyond the apple and pear operation and have planted a variety of fruits and vegetables. This new cropland has been fallow for many years and it is David’s goal to have this expanded part of Bunny Laine Fruit certified organic in 2007.
Products Available
12 varieties of blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries, as well as sweet corn, pickling cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, seedless grapes, melons, apples and pears.
Growing Philosophy
“We want to find more earth-friendly alternatives to grow our food, and are looking to transition all of our acreage to organic certification in the next few years.”
-- Karen Beller
Soil and Water Conservation
Bunny Laine Fruit takes care to protect loss of soil and diligently manages water consumption in the hot and dry Okanogan environment. Grass is grown as a cover crop between the tree rows, and grass and pruning clippings are returned to the soil in the orchard. Water is conserved by use of a drip irrigation system for watering, and a computerized temperature controlled sprinkler system to protect tree fruit from sun burn. The base of the berry plants are also covered with a mulch of sawdust, bark, and peat moss.
Soil and Pest Management
David and Karen are excited about sustainable and organic agriculture, and are implementing these practices in their new berry and row crop operation. They are working closely with excellent local resources to gain the knowledge and materials needed to protect and enhance the health of their land.
A Wildlife Oasis
The farm and orchard are bordered by the Okanogan River on one side, and more than 100 acres of dry mountainside habitat on another. David and Karen treasure these spaces and leave them undisturbed, providing natural habitat for an abundance of bird and mammal life, and a few rattlesnakes. They have provided a 100 foot buffer between the orchard and the river, which provides native trees and shrubs for habitat.
