orchard – Julia Chalkley

Community Orchard – Part 3

When the orchard expert came to teach fruit tree pruning in January, she told us that we needed to remove the shoots that had grown from the base of the trees, to let the tree have the full benefit of any water and nutrient in the soil. As nurseries graft wood from the trees theyContinue reading “Community Orchard – Part 3”

Community Orchard – part two

Earlier this year, I reported on the odd project I got involved in. I’m a member of our local woodland trust, helping out as a volunteer. As part of that work, I volunteered to chart the orchard that had been planted in 2011 as a present for the founder’s 90th birthday. I thought it wouldContinue reading “Community Orchard – part two”

Community Orchard – Part 1

This probably sounds like an odd project, but here goes. Two months ago, I went on a tree pruning course in the community wood, led by Dr Anna Baldwin. She was asked for her opinion of our orchard, and gave it as “Seven out of ten”. Part of her reservations stemmed from the tree-guards weContinue reading “Community Orchard – Part 1”

Tree pruning… part 1 of 100

I got persuaded to take part in a tree pruning course in the community wood last Sunday. It was chilly and threatening to rain, so I could have happily stayed home, but out I went. I’m glad I did. The course tutor, Dr Anna Baldwin, had a great teaching manner; enthusiastic, knowledgeable, took questions asContinue reading “Tree pruning… part 1 of 100”