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Tom Walker & Pruning  (March meeting 2011)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marcus Roberts: Fruit Trees, Their Pruning & Renovation

5th November 2008

In the short time available, Marcus, the co-founder and Chairman of The Midshires Orchard Group, gave a most interesting and well illustrated introduction, to the history, cultivation and propagation of traditional English Apple varieties. He also touched briefly on Pears, Plums & Bullises and the renovation work being undertaken by The Group.

Given that there are over 900 varieties of ancient, traditional, apples their identification is difficult and, since they are not sold by the usual retail outlets, opportunities to view and sample them are largely confined to the Apple Fairs. Several of these are to be found locally and make an excursion of interest to all the family as they almost always include participation in other rural activities. Marcus' company has a selection of grafted traditional apple trees available to purchase.

Apples do not come true from seed and propagation is normally by grafting or budding. These techniques allow for the use of differing stocks to confer particular characteristics, such as disease resistance and dimensions, to the resultant tree as well as ensuring that the genetic profile of the variety is unchanged.

The Midshires Group plays a leading role in the re-discovery of "lost" varieties and have recently gained national media coverage with their find of a such a tree on the outskirts of Deddington. Of particular interest to us was their discovery of the Hanwell Souring Apple which as it's name suggests originated in Hanwell. It has now been propagated by grafting and a specimen planted in the Green there. WELCOME HOME.

Souring varieties were used as food acidulents prior to the availability of lemons in this country. Perhaps worth a try with a G & T!!

They believe they have also found an example of the Hanwell Sweeting but are awaiting confirmation.

Members of the Group, which is funded by membership fees and occasional grants, are all unpaid volunteers who give their time and expertise for free. They are much involved in the restoration of ancient orchards and hedges which consist partly of fruit trees; a common practice up to the start of the 20th century. Currently they are working, at no cost to their clients, on the restoration of fruit trees on the Stowe Estate and at Canons Ashby amongst others.

A lively question and answer session followed.

When so much or our tradition and heritage is being lost, it was very pleasing to find people who willing give freely of their time and knowledge to preserve this aspect of it.

This was not only an enjoyable and informative evening but also whetted appetites to find out more

Thanks Marcus

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 Pettifers Wardington

3rd September 2008

Wednesday 3rd September saw about 20 members of the Gardening club visiting the garden at Pettifers in Wardington. Although quite chilly we were lucky with the weather and the forecast rain held off until we were all back home. We had an extremely detailed tour given to us by the gardener Samantha.

The first thing to hit us as we turned into the garden were the magnificent views over the unspoilt countryside, complete with a beautiful rainbow in the sky.

Pettifers is a famous garden designed over 20 years largely by the Hon Mrs Gina Price and was a riot of Autumn colour. The garden has a splendid display of grasses in all shapes and sizes, rustling in the breeze, extending down the wide borders of the terraced garden, In amongst the grasses are magnificent examples of mature shrubs complimenting them. Amongst the most striking in colour were the Kniphophae in a wide rage of colours.

 

I was particularly  impressed  by a wonderful example of an Echinacea shrub and wondered which bit would be used to ward off the common cold?

 

Moving down to the next terrace was a more formal layout, including adisplay of the tallest of dahlias I have ever seen, all painstakingly lifted and stored every year by Samantha. A wonderful selection of David Austin roses and many other colourful shrubs, too many to list.

 

We finished the evening in the cosy warm kitchen being served home made cakes, tea and  coffee by Samantha’s mother, who had travelled down especially to help, as Mrs Price was away.

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