CHANGES IN THE ORCHARD: March 2017

We have started to remove and reduce the tree guards around the trees. Since we started in 2010 the guards have protected the trees well from marauding deer which have a particular taste for apple bark and leaves. Now the trees are larger and stronger (indeed some are literally bursting out of their confinement) this protection is not so much needed.

You can see in the pictures the Bramley Seedling where we have removed the guard completely, and the Sunsets where we have cut the supports to half. The Orchard is starting to look much more attractive…..and the blossoms this year should be spectacular. Here’s hoping there are no late frosts.
There is a working party on Wednesday 22 March at 9.30am……we are going to be spreading mulch around the trees so do join us.

Visit to the Orchard by Oxted Beavers on 2 March 2017

It was a clear sunny but cold evening for the first visit of the Oxted Beavers to the Community Orchard. There were 24 boys with their leaders Sarah Choy and Elise Claringbull and some parents. The aim was to help the Beavers with some basic knowledge for their Gardening Badge and to introduce them to the Orchard. The boys (and a few girls) were very excited as they ran along the path through the woods. They listened carefully to the story of an Apple Tree’s Year, and were fascinated to know that most of the trees are now seven years old….. the same age as most of them.

We then asked them to identify various gardening implements including secateurs and long handled loppers. The leaders will be planting some seeds with them too.  The children will make some more visits to the Orchard over the year to see how the trees are growing and we are planning a special visit in September to taste some of the fruit. 

Pruning February 2017

We had an excellent gathering in the middle of February to prune the apples and pears in the Orchard. All are looking well with some excellent fruit buds seen….particularly on the pears. We now have to hope that we are not clobbered by frosts at the wrong time! The Sunset tree which was so badly nibbled by rabbits last year is looking fine with plenty of new growth.

We were delighted to have Jan Lambourn with us and she was able to pass on some of her accumulated knowledge to several newbie pruners. We hope that some of you are using your Orchard acquired pruning skills in your own gardens. It’s still not too late to prune…..but it will not be long before the sap starts rising.

We have a weeding and mulching work party in the Orchard on Wednesday  22 March from 9.30am
 ….do come along. Coffee provided but do bring you own tools. Any further information from helenellson205@btinternet.com