WFV, Anglers Country Park, 1st November 2011
Stuart
Stuart
Margaret
Sue
Another noisy group of Jay's at Boar's Well today. And I saw this 'photo of the week' on Birdguides
On Monday, the day after Apple Day, I picked almost all the remaining fruit. I was there so the portable toilet could be collected and thought it was a good opportuntiy to make sure the remaining apples were collected. Some of the Blenhiem Orange and Kidd's Orange Red may have prefered another week on the tree but it felt a good compromise. Now the fruit needs sorting and distributing. If there are any orchard volunteers out there who haven't yet asked for apples please let us know as soon as possible.
I will complete the harvesting log and attach it to the website here.
Margaret
14 of us enjoyed our morning visit to the gardens of Littlethorpe Manor which had been arranged for us by Janet who unfortunately was still on jury service - we were, however, ably looked after by Philip. Littlethorpe Manor which is situated on the outskirts of Ripon has 11 acres of grounds and is owned by Mr and Mrs Thackray. We were given a guided tour by Eddie Harland, head gardener (who was responsible for the design and planting of the garden), following tea and cake in the marquee. The gardens were quite stunning! We passed from the Walled Garden divided into sections representing the four seasons with appropriate flowers and sculptures into the Sunken garden consisting of a box parterre and containing interesting fruit trees, medlar and kiwi as well as old roses and herbs. Passing through the front of the house we walked into the drive with an aqualens surrounded by hornbeams. We crossed the lawns admiring a magnificent walnut tree. The vista in front of the house which included a lake with a fountain and an avenue of pollared rubra lime trees which led to a pond and classical pavillion was stunning. The Winter Garden which we visited is a recent addition with white Himalayan birch, beech hedges and colourful dogwood shrubs. There was so much to see and appreciate. In the afternoon we enjoyed a stroll down a section of the Ripon canal with brief stops at the bird hides which overlooked a large lake. Greylag geese, cormorant ,coot, lapwing and great crested grebe were seen. Late summer flowers were noted by Joan and Alice. A relaxing and enjoyable day was had by all. The day started with some rain but ended in sunshine.
Margaret
On Saturday we harvested 44kilos of Bramley's Seedling! and there is still a few more kilos on the tree. If I was to plant an orchard now I would not include Bramley as it is so widley available in the shops, however we were beginners when we conceived Bowling Park Community Orchard and it is silly to regret such a great harvest of wonderful looking fruit, really rosy in colour.
We also made the first picking of the Lord Lambourne - 7Kg., and several other types. Some were left to next visit as we couldn't carry anymore.
If we have surplus to requirements (requests from orchard volunteers and Apple Day cooks) I think we will make the remainder of the crop avialable at Apple Day - we just do not have appropriate storage to make good use of the crop throughout the winter.
Margaret
The fruit harvest is now in full flow. Today we gathered approximately 40kilos, all weighed on our new spring balance but I have left the notes in the shed.Our new long handled picker was helpful, as was the harvesting bag (both bought with a donation made to us by the Coop - thanks Barbara), but we were also helped out by the wind. Quite a few apples had fallen but were unblemished.
Today's varieties were Ribson Pippin (hardly any left on the trees, earlier than normal), Arthur Turner (first time we have a decent crop of these), Peasgood Nonsuch, Grandpa Buxton, Katy (the last of these), James Grieve, Cockpit Improved (a small crop from a cordon), Irish Peach and a few Blenheim Orange (mostly wind blown).
Some of these will be used to cook for Apple Day, others will go straight to orchard volunteers.