May 2013

Another month quickly passing...
The RHS Malvern Garden Show gave an opportunity to acquire a few more  trees for the orchard. From Mr. D'Arcy's Heritage Fruit Trees (Lincolnshire):
Quince, Isfahan
Apple, Grenadine (American variety, red fleshed)
Plum, Blaisden Red
The event seemed a little quiet compared to a couple of years ago... (preferable to RHS Tatton and Hampton Court). Also picked up a couple of Blueberry bushes, herbs and some watering / irrigation sundries and hand-tools, as well as viewing some interesting and inspiring displays and stalls.
Onwards further south and some perry pears to select from Bernwode Fruit trees.
Sharp's academic
Hellens Early
Brandy
Sanguinole
Also a crab apple (Malus sylvestris), of old provenance grafted onto M111.

Back to the field, a kindly donation of a couple of tonnes of well-rotted horse muck (and loaded too), from just over the border.
Quite a bit of local chat, interest and engagement with a wide mix of locals and walkers.
The pear trees were first in blossom this year, although the quince were first in full leaf, but only just forming flower buds now. Most of the apples have formed leaves and flower buds and some in blossom.
The walnuts have only just come into leaf and the mulberries are only just now breaking bud.
The hedges (including the gaps filled over winter) are all pleasantly green.