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News
On this page we aim to include items of interest and new developments |
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Containerised trees
We now have a range of containerised trees available in 12 litre & 5 litre pots. They are available for collection only or from the events we will be attending. See below.
The 12 litre trees are bush apple trees and espaliers. The bush trees have been topped at potting have developed in head of branches above a clear stem and have been pruned mid summer to encourage further branching. The Espaliers are single tier trees ideal for a head start and easily developed. |
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We have available Apples and Cherries on semi dwarfing rootstocks in 5 litre containers. Grafted earlier this year they are single stem trees suitable for training into various forms.
Choose from Cherries Sunburst, Lapins & Summersun. Apple varieties Ashmead's Kernel, Bramley, Red Devil, Sunset, Winston and others.
Prices - 5 litre trees £13, Bush trees £25, Espaliers £30
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Nursery developments
Over the last year we have been creating a demonstation orchard on some additional land. About forty bush trees are now growing planted at spacing that they can grow into. They are already starting to develop shape and have some fruit on. |
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Adjacent to the orchard is the start of a fruit garden. A post and wire framework has been installed. In early 2007 cordon and espalier trees were planted and are growing well.
In the middle of the Fruit garden is an area for fruit bushes, raspberies, step over apple trees, rhubarb and vegetables. This was planted in early 2008.
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The aim (apart from producing lots of lovely fruit for ourselves!) is for visitors to
- see what their trees will be like in the future - size and shape.
- view the pruning that is to be and has been done in the trees development.
- see and sample fruit from a wide range of trees
Also we are using the area for staff development. More knowledgable staff means better advice both over the phone and in person.
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Shows and events.
During Autumn 2008 we will be at several events. Do come and see us.
Bank Holiday Monday 25th August
Pershore Plum Fayre - 10am onwards
The whole of Pershore is devoted to the Fayre for the day with a Farmers Market in Broad Street. Buy some Plums then come and see us in St Andrew's Gardens close to the Abbey.
Saturday & Sunday 6th & 7th September
Organic Food Festival, Bristol Harbourside, Bristol
A wonderful event organised by the Soil Association. An opportunity to sample and purchase a vast selection of organic produce. We will be in the Organic Gardening area, a new area for 2008.
Saturday & Sunday 27th & 28th September
Malvern Autumn Show - Three Counties Showground, Near Malvern.
A huge event with a huge range of stands. We hope to be near the Wye Hall in a similar location to last year.
We will add further events as we arrange to attend.
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Hort LINK Project1
Between 2000 & 2005 a partnership of fruit growers, packers, wholesalers & supermarkets through East Malling Research and HDRA (now Garden Organic) were involved a Horticulture Link project to identify 4 -6 apples suitable for organic growing and effective pest & disease management in orchards.
Information gathered on over 160 potential apple varieties from around the world was narrowed down to a 42 variety trial and further reduced to 26 most promising varieties many from Europe.
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Assessments were made on
- pest & disease resistance and tolerance
- fruiting season, fruit quality, appearance, flavour & size
- tree habit, ease of management, agronomic behaviour
- storage potential
By late 2005 six dessert, two culinary and two juicing apple varieties had been selected.
Dessert - Cevaal, Rajka (photo above), Resi, Rubinola, Rubinstep.
Culinary - Edward V11, Howgate Wonder
Juice - Fiesta, Red Falstaff (both excellent dessert varieties)
We are now able to offer all these varieties apart from Rubinstep. Though the research was aimed at commercial organic apple production the varieties make excellent garden trees.
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