APPLE HARVESTING 2015

We went again to the Orchard this weekend and picked a lot of the ripe apples which are really delicious. I shall be taking a large bag of SUNSET (eating apples) to Limpsfield School for the children next week. The second tree is not as ripe…..we need to wait another 10 days or so.
We have also picked all the BOUNTIFUL (these are cookers…..they’ll keep until Christmas in a cool place) they have cropped really well ….there were none at all last year. I am going to take some of these into the Memorial stores in Limpsfield for distribution. There will also be some here at my house ….so if anyone would like to collect a bag please ring me (01883 713160).
The HEREFORDSHIRE RUSSETS have cropped really well too. There are two trees pretty well laden but they are not ripe yet. They should be ready in a few more weeks…..so do go and have a look and a taste…..an apple is ready when it lifts off easily from the tree, the seeds are brown and the sweet ripe flavour is there. There are also some LORD LAMBOURNE which will keep well, and some FIESTA too so do have a look and take a few to taste.
It’s been really exciting seeing how the fruit has developed this year. Some of the trees towards the back of the Orchard (away from the A25) don’t seem to have done so well. They may be under stress due to their nearness to the Copper Beech. It was certainly very dry earlier in the year. The pears also seem to be taking their time to come into fruiting. I have every hope of the Buerre Hardy though….they are known to need a few years to become established before cropping.
Our next task is to collect manure which will then stay in bags over the winter to rot down. We will spread this around the trees in March.
The pruning day will be sometime after Christmas….please do let me know if you are interested. It is a most interesting and informative day.
And of course do make a diary note of the WASSAIL which is on Sunday 7 February 2016.
With all good wishes
Helen

Ellison's Orange

Lord Lambourne