At the top end of Haddock's is our best Apple tree (Reine de Renette) which is absolutely covered in flowers. If only 1% of them become fully fledged Apples we will still be knee deep!
Very rarely have I seen a tree so covered in blossom. Looks like it's going to be a very good fruit year; which makes a change!
I should mention that all other Apple trees are much the same.
Looking good.
ReplyDeleteOur fingers are crossed.
DeleteGet yourself a cider press..... and I don't envy you the thinning, even if you get to make a few tonnes of apple jelly as a result!
ReplyDeleteWe've got the press, we need one of those garden mincing machines to turn the Apples to pulp.
DeleteThe apple trees in bloom are beautiful. Lots of tart tartin this summer!
ReplyDeleteMy favourite. Lady M makes them to perfection.
DeleteBreathtaking. Just sit under there and enjoy the sight, smell and sounds there for now!
ReplyDeleteThe aromas all around the garden are amazing at the moment. I can't remember it ever being better.
DeleteThe apple tree is beautiful! Who of the granson's apple tree is it? Another wonderful view seen from the opposite side of Haddock's. Also the blue sky is perfect.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Maria x
Maria, one time on holiday in Italy I saw huge apple orchards in blossom and not one bee, in fact hardly an insect to be seen, and I wondered how they did it. Maybe they have human pollen sprayers like in China? Do you know?
DeleteMaria, that particular tree is not attributed to any of the grandchildren. It must have been planted before any of them were born.
DeleteGwil, it is the first I hear of this, so I don't know. What I do know, and unfortunately, is that apple trees get alot of anti parasite treatments; you can't just pick an apple off a tree, wipe it and bite into it. x
DeleteCro, oh that is true, looking at how big the tree is. x
My brother-in-law was an apple grower for the cider industry and he had his own bee hives which were moved into each orchard at the required time. There is a bee "hiring" industry in fruit growing areas where you can hire a hive of good quality bees and it is delivered to your orchard when needed. I believe this is common practice throughout the industry.
DeleteHere they bring the hives in for the Chestnut flowers; it doesn't make very good honey though.
DeleteThese bees are not bred for honey making.
DeleteRachel, thank you it explains the absence of bees and Maria explains the absence of the other insects.
DeleteOranges grown for commercial use are sprayed with insecticides up to 25 times during the time they are on the tree.
DeleteChestnut honey may be an acquired taste...I love it!
DeleteYou can never have too many apples - possibilities are endless cooking wise.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I love just plucking an Apple from the tree, and sitting with my penknife to eat it. Nothing better.
DeleteYou live in Paradise. Just beautiful and I love Reine de Reinette apples.
ReplyDeleteThey're probably the best French Apple. Not as good as a Cox, but not far off.
DeleteWe have had a good blossom time as well, although the sheep ate the bark on our best (and in full blossom) apple tree so it had to be drastically cut back to a quarter of its original size in an effort to save the tree!
ReplyDeleteOh dear. These things happen. With us it's usually the Deer.
DeleteAll looks happy and good Cro ..... you work very hard to achieve it so here's hoping you get an abundance of fruit and veg. We are off to help our daughter tidy up her garden now !!!! ..... and to give plant advice to our son and daughter-in-law !! Happy Easter to you and Lady M. 🐇
ReplyDeleteThank you Jacqueline. I've just this minute planted out my Tomatoes. I feel confident that our frosts are now over; I hope so.
DeleteThere are few things as beautiful as an apple tree in blossom.
ReplyDeleteWe also have a Bramley that looks quite similar. Apples for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, methinks.
DeleteI bought some apples from Leclerc this week. They are tasteless.
ReplyDeleteThey always are. Grow your own of the same variety, and they're completely different. I'd love to know what commercial growers do to their fruit.
DeleteToday I bought Oranges and Bananas; at least you know where you are with them.
DeleteOnly the blackthorn is out here yet but that is covered in blossom so perhaps it is going to be the same here. Of course we are much more prone to late frosts.
ReplyDeleteLate frosts are so depressing; all hopes dashed overnight.
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