I have just been to look at the trees to see how the fruit
is progressing. I can’t tell you how exciting it is to be able to see such a
wonderful crop. Many trees are laden with fruit which is all growing well and
staying mainly disease free. Not all trees have fruit but approximately 14 out
of the 26 apples are cropping well, and 2 of the pears (Beth and Doyenne de
Comice) so we will definitely be able to have a tasting party in September. The
fruits all ripen at different times with Katy (an eater which does not keep)
being the earliest (August) through to Laxton Superb (dessert apple ready in
September/October) and Lord Lambourne. The Herefordshire Russets are absolutely
laden ….even though they were well thinned. Beth, the pear with the most fruit,
should be ready to pick in late August.
So ….an exciting time. Especially for those of us who were
at the very start when Mark Richards showed us the site. An area of weed
infested abandoned land which was made available for us by the National Trust,
and which we have transformed into this productive and beautiful Orchard. A
very big thank you to all the orchard “workers” and also to our Friends who are
keeping us solvent.
I can see that the route through the Grub Street Woods is
well used and the new path which had to be made during the winter floods is
standing up to traffic well. I hope you are all enjoying the new seats both in
the woods and the Orchard itself. A perfect place to take friends and relatives
for a short walk and a picnic.
In July we were included in the judging for the RHS
Limpsfield in Bloom competition. We had been busy making sure the Orchard was
looking at its best, trees weeded, hedges cut and everywhere litter free. But
of course the judges look at all aspects of the Orchard including community
participation, use by the children from Limpsfield School, bio-diversity and
the use of the site at all times of the year. I was so proud to be able to show
the judges round on your behalf and show them the fruits of our labours.
I’m also very pleased to see that we have got several new
Friends of the Orchard. So welcome aboard and we hope that you’ll be able to
join us for the occasional working party and of course the special day later on
when we can start the harvest!
Helen Ellson and the Orchard Team
