Apples, Trees and Safety
James Benn
Isn’t our weather something else? A year ago Re-B hosted an apple tree pruning workshop in glorious sunshine; this year, when we got together on 10 March for the repeat event, there were snow flurries and a bitterly cold wind. But no one froze, no one was injured and all six viable trees in the Village Orchard off Goulburn Green had their second year ‘regeneration’ pruning.
Betchworth Village Orchard
James Benn
Isn’t our weather something else? A year ago Re-B hosted an apple tree pruning workshop in glorious sunshine; this year, when we got together on 10 March for the repeat event, there were snow flurries and a bitterly cold wind. But no one froze, no one was injured and all six viable trees in the Village Orchard off Goulburn Green had their second year ‘regeneration’ pruning.
Betchworth Village Orchard
The 3-year programme – supported by the Parish Council – was begun last year to demonstrate how the fruiting branches of the many large, mature apples trees present in village gardens can be progressively brought within safe reach. Injury is all too common when you have to clamber up unsuitable ladders to harvest the crop, and scramble around in the upper branches of trees planted by previous householders many decades ago.
This year’s workshop was led by Alessandra Valsecchi who, until recently, was in charge of the fruit collection at RHS Wisley and is now working with Albury Vineyard. Her run through of the theory and best pruning practice was excellent, and wide-ranging – including suggestions for those apple varieties bred in Surrey and Sussex for local growing conditions. Anyone fancy trying a ‘Crawley Reinette’? Moving into the orchard, Ales then put theory into practice, demonstrating the recommended pruning on one of the trees. Working in small teams, attendees then tackled the others, under supervision.
Alessandra will be back again next year to complete the regeneration work. If you are lucky enough to have apple trees in your garden – whatever their age – let me know if you would like prior notice of that event. Whether you do or not, make sure Saturday 10 October is in your calendar – that’s the date for this year’s community Apple Press.
This year’s workshop was led by Alessandra Valsecchi who, until recently, was in charge of the fruit collection at RHS Wisley and is now working with Albury Vineyard. Her run through of the theory and best pruning practice was excellent, and wide-ranging – including suggestions for those apple varieties bred in Surrey and Sussex for local growing conditions. Anyone fancy trying a ‘Crawley Reinette’? Moving into the orchard, Ales then put theory into practice, demonstrating the recommended pruning on one of the trees. Working in small teams, attendees then tackled the others, under supervision.
Alessandra will be back again next year to complete the regeneration work. If you are lucky enough to have apple trees in your garden – whatever their age – let me know if you would like prior notice of that event. Whether you do or not, make sure Saturday 10 October is in your calendar – that’s the date for this year’s community Apple Press.