For Apple Day: Eat your way to the river
It's Apple Day, one of my favourite days of the year and what better way to celebrate than to tell you about my recent trip to Longney, where Gloucestershire Orchard Trust have 18 acres of apple orchard under their tender care. Here you'll find older orchards with some trees well over a century old, plus their newer plantings of around 94 Gloucestershire cultivars which have just acquired national plant collection status at Plant Heritage . The jury's out on the actual number as DNA testing has revealed at least one locally named variety is actually a more well known one: Ribston Pippin in this case. Don't worry, there are dozens there which definitely have their origins rooted firmly in Gloucestershire and their cultivation at Longney is vital to their continued presence and preservation. There were around 200 local varieties at one time and today it's around 100 still in existence. Steve Mason - the Trust's Curator - was our knowledgeable guide who invited ...


Think of it as encouraging wildlife :-)
ReplyDeleteMy own garden is in much need of TLC too, I simply haven't got the energy though.
ReplyDeleteI am going with easygardener's suggestion ..... it encourages wildlife!
I don't see anything wrong with your garden! Q...What is your garden zone?
ReplyDeleteI meant to answer this sooner. You asked 'Is Monday Musing a general meme or just a regular thing of yours BTW? '
ReplyDeleteIt's me I think, although given the size of t'internet, I doubt it will be an original idea, amd no doubt theres a meme out there somewhere for it too.
Yes, you have a beautiful plot view!
ReplyDeleteCameron
So pleased I'm not the only one with a wildlife sanctuary.
ReplyDeleteJust for a welcome change I've been plotting yesterday and today! xx
ReplyDeleteHmmm, these beds look familiar... Could you by chance have been photographing our garden by mistake?! But we, ahem, make a point of allowing our cultivated wild meadow to stand over winter to give the wild birds food and shelter, and provide a windbreak for the Pullet Palace. Seems to me that you just need to come up with a compelling excuse! (And besides, your beds still look beautiful to me!)
ReplyDeleteI think it looks nice. Mine looks like a jungle.
ReplyDeleteEG - Wildlife - we're awash with it!
ReplyDeleteZoe - don't worry. You're nearly at the end of your treatment. May your energy come back soon. Hugs. And thanks for answering my question too.
Gail - thanks. I've answered over at your place. For anyone else wondering it's Zone 8-ish.
DYH - Thanks Cameron!
IE - I think yours is eensy teensy bit bigger? Hope you have a fantastic time in Africa. I can't wait to hear all about your travels, hopefully not too many travails.
Flighty - good for you! It's been miserable here :(
OFB - I'm a great believer in minimalist gardening and it shows by the number of birds and insects (and squirrels - grrrr!) we get in the garden. However, I do need to clear the lawn at least before the grass gets killed!
Deb - you know that's so untrue! Think of it as the productivity of a Texan autumn!
I'm glad I found your blog thru Cameron's site today. I'm always looking for new blogs with fresh ideas.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm a minimalist too. I choose drought tolerant, disease resistant plants that aren't much bothered by insects. No more pushing zones and watering every other day. I've quit using insecticides and chemical fertilizer. It's much easier not to do battle with nature.
Marnie
Roses and Lilacs - welcome and good of you to drop in :) I like your idea of minimalism, sounds much better than my lazy version!
ReplyDeleteI just tell people I am cultivating green manure
ReplyDeleteGary - why didn't I think of that?????!!!!!!
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