Fruit trees

After clearing the overgrown ivy from the boundary wall a group of residents got together to purchase five fruit trees and some climbing plants:

Egremont Russet apple

The flesh is cream, tinged yellow, sweet and firm with a rich nutty flavour. One of the few russets available in quantity. (Sussex 19th Century)

Red Falstaff apple

The select red sport of 'Falstaff '. Fruity well balanced flavour, crisp and juicy. Frost resistant and self fertile. One of the heaviest yielding varieties. Can be stored easily and eaten throughout the winter. Highly recommended for every garden. (Norfolk 1983)

Onward pear

Laxton's Superb x Doyenne du Comice. This is an excellent quality pear, quite resistant to spring frosts. Medium size. Light green fruit changes to yellow-green, some have a pinkish flush and others a heavy russet. Creamy white flesh has a sweet rich and juicy flavour. Good cropper. (Wisley, Surrey. 1947)

Opal plum

Oullins Green Gage x Early Favourite. One of the most reliable garden plums. Known as the early Victoria. A medium reddish-purple fruit with superb flavour. Self fertile. (Sweden 1925)

Along with the fruit trees we’ve also planted a clematis (‘Blue Angel’ variety), honeysuckle (‘Lonicera’ variety) and jasmine (‘Clotted Cream’ variety).

South boundary cleanup

Residents hard at work clearing the overgrown ivy patch on the South East perimeter wall. We also pruned some of the overhanging branches that were blocking the sunlight: lots more space for vegetables and more space for the other trees and bushes to grow – we’ve got two elder bushes just coming into flower and plans to plant more this year.

Communal composting

Down in the allotment a few of us got together recently to sort out the compost bins. If you want to add your own food waste please add to the active ‘FILL’ bin which is easy to spot thanks to the wonderful tags Jack kindly made for us. Thanks also to Giles and Nao for the graphic below which shows what should/shouldn’t be added and in what quantities. Please make sure you aren’t adding anything that won’t break down (e.g. some teabags contain plastic, unfortunately). There’s also a homemade sieve to sift out any stones and lumps. The compost which is ready is being spread on the veg patches now in readiness for this year’s harvest. Help yourself!

Spring in the allotments

The clocks have gone forward and it’s time to get back out in the allotment! Brian has very kindly unloaded a load of compost which is piled up next to the compost bins and free to use for anyone that wants some. Here’s to bumper crops for all this year.