Mehrabyan Nursery finds new home in old Newfield barn

In Newfield, a transformative endeavor is underway at a barn owned by Surik Mehrabyan, proprietor of Mehrabyan Nursery, a family-operated local establishment that prides itself on cultivating a variety of fruit trees. Mehrabyan’s vision is simple yet vital: to proliferate the presence of fruit trees in domestic gardens, community orchards and extensive farms alike.

Previously reliant on land leased from a local farmer, Mehrabyan Nursery is charting a course toward self-reliance. Converting an old barn into the nursery’s fruit tree headquarters is central to this journey. 

According to Mehrabyan, everything is slowly converting over. First, the barn’s ground floor is being converted into a storage area to shelter the young trees from the end of November or early December until the thaw of March.

​​“There are some serious issues related to the barn; there is some engineering that should be involved,” said Mehrabyan. “There is no easy solution because one of the long-term beams is cracked and is moving to the west. It has already moved 7 inches.”

Mehrabyan said that efforts are underway to halt the shifting of a critical beam in the barn, which is a testament to historical construction techniques, which were erected without using nails. This characteristic old-style barn has become a canvas for Mehrabyan’s numerous plans for its future use.

“The main reason I bought this location is because I liked said barn,” said Mehrabyan. “Unfortunately, nobody maintained it the last 20 to 30 years. That’s why I need to do lots of work on it.”

Mehrabyan’s endeavor is a collective effort. He has engaged friends and professional assistance, including hiring Amish craftsmen to install a metallic roof on the barn’s “milk house,” a section of the barn Mehrabyan plans to convert into a walk-in cooler. While he has learned much through hands-on involvement, he acknowledges the efficiency of skilled labor.

“I’m learning lots, but at the same time, to speed up the process, I need to hire someone to do the job,” said Mehrabyan.

Mehrabyan’s expertise in the nursery business has roots in his tenure with Community Nursery, which he joined after a project at Cornell concluded in 2011. Here, the seeds for his own nursery were sown, and what began as a hobby has flourished into a full-fledged business. 

“This hobby has now become a business,” said Mehrabyan.

Mehrabyan Nursery has witnessed a significant upswing in production. Mehrabyan noted that they planted approximately 2,000 rootstocks last year, anticipating a similar number of trees to be harvested from the land. With a steadfast eye on expansion, more rootstock is being planted this year. 

The process of cultivating the trees spans over two years. Initially, the rootstock is planted, followed by the emergence of the trunk during the summer months. By the subsequent year, the trees are ready for harvest.

For now, the nursery’s workforce consists of a few family members who contribute on a temporary basis. Mehrabyan is hopeful for the future, envisaging the addition of one or two temporary employees to assist with the nursery’s operations.

Those interested in Mehrabyan’s selection of fruit trees and seedlings can find and obtain them via the nursery’s website, mehrabyannursery.com.

In brief:

Board of Education news

The Newfield Capital Project passed by a vote of 137 to 126. The regular school budget vote will be on May 21. Between now and the budget vote, there will be mailings, public hearings and budget conversations at Board of Education meetings. The next Board of Education meeting is March 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Weaver Conference Room.

Newfield High School to perform ‘Willy Wonka’ musical 

Newfield High School will present a production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka” in the high school auditorium. Performances will be on March 22 and 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. and on March 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and $5 for senior citizens.

Library to host artist reception

Sue Stocum will be at Newfield Public Library for an artist reception on March 26 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Stocum, who lives in Watkins Glen, focuses on landscapes but also enjoys floral and abstract designs.

Newfield High School welcomes Ithaca Concert Band for joint concert 

On March 26 at 7 p.m., Newfield High School will host Ithaca Concert Band for an Adopt-a-Band Concert under the baton of co-conductor Rick Eleck. The concert is free and open to the public.