Orchard
The trees are 2-3 years old and planted 2.7m from each other to allow for growth. All are on semi-dwarf root stock and have been sourced from Frank P Matthews.
The apples have been chosen to help pollinate each other, whilst the plum and gage are self fertile. Just 5 fruit trees qualifies as an orchard and the list of Cropwell Community Garden’s orchard varieties can be found opposite.
This orchard has been planted for the community to enjoy over the years to come, and provide opportunity for apple pressing, fruit crop sharing, and wassailing activities.
Thanks to TNL Community Fund for funding the orchard and materials.
An old traditional English russet apple, raised by Dr Ashmead in Gloucestershire around 1700. The fruits are pale green with a good flavour distinctive of pear drops and can be stored until early Spring. It has big white flowers when it blossoms. The fruit can be used for eating, cooking, and is good for juicing and cider making too.
Apple - Bardsey
The world’s rarest apple! A hardy variety with pretty light pink blossom. Found on Bardsey Island off the west coast of Wales, and once thought to be extinct. Known as ‘the sainted apple’, it was cultivated by monks who lived there over 1000 years ago. Eating apple that does not store, but can be cooked and juiced. Produces pink fruits with a lemon scent and refreshing taste.
Apple - Bramley’s Seedling
We had to plant one of these! A well known cooking apple that originates from Southwell, just 14 miles away from the community garden. A young girl, Mary Ann Brailsford, planted the tree as a pip in her back garden in the early 1800s. It’s name is taken from Mr Bramely who owned the house in the 1850s and allowed well known local nurseryman Henry Merryweather to propagate it.
Plum - Yellow Pershore
A hardy and traditional heavy cropping yellow plum variety, also known as the ‘Yellow Egg Plum’. The fruits are good for cooking and making preserves from, but very tasty when picked from the tree ripe. It was discovered in Worcestershire during the early 1800s.
Gage - Willingham
Something a little different. The seedling of a Green Gage dating back to the 1800s, found in the native hedgerows around Willingham in Cambridgeshire. The finest gage available with a sweet flesh that has a hint of melon. Good fresh off the tree!