A Garden as Nature Intended: Washington Orchard Thrives Despite No Watering, No Tilling

Inspired by divine guidance, Paul Gautschi’s no-till ‘Back to Eden’ method asks little of the gardener but bears abundant returns.

Arborist and master gardener Paul Gautschi at his orchard on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington. Jennifer Schneider for American Essence

Paul Gautschi would be the first to tell you that the food from his garden is the best in the world.

To prove it, he’d point to his apple trees. Unlike upright trees grown in commercial orchards, the branches of Mr. Gautschi’s trees bend so low they seem to scrape the earth in a submissive bow.