We've already had one slight frost, so opportunities for scrumping are now very limited.
However, one abandoned nearby ancient tree always produces fruit that stays on the ground well into the new year, mostly without any ill effects.
Our own stored Apples have now either gone soft, are riddled with bugs, or are rotting; none of the better known varieties seem to 'keep' any more.
This particular Apple (above) should be in everyone's orchard. It's sweet, with a very pleasant flavour, and is probably one of the best 'keepers' I know. One can but wonder why it isn't available at garden centres everywhere.
No-one seems to know its name, or why it fell out of fashion. I shall take a few cuttings next year, and see if I can continue its line before it's lost for ever.
So many apples on the ground.amazing that they last so long.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly should try a cutting.
We have a truck which comes every week from the Greek city of Tripoli. They have wonderful apples, no popular variety, red, firm and delicious.
These particular Apples are the same every year; they drop, and stay fine for months. As the tree is not in a field, not even Cows eat them.
DeleteBought some Cox's Pippins yesterday, my favourite apple.
ReplyDeleteMy next-door neighbour had a wonderful tree; then he pulled it out. I could have cried!
DeleteA pity we have trouble importing plant material into N.Z.
ReplyDeleteProbably very wise, considering the problems we have with imported bugs etc.
DeleteLots of apple trees around here which could do with being scrumped from, but alack and alas, they are all in people's gardens.
ReplyDeleteNight time, heavy facial camouflage, and a lamp. That should do the trick!
DeleteThe Spotted Lantern bug just came in our area this summer. It decimates fruit trees and grape vines. One week you see a few and in very quick time, thousands are swarming around. Right now there is nothing that can stop them. If they don’t come up with something soon, our local apple orchards and wine businesses will be hit very badly. This bug comes from Asia.
ReplyDeleteThe whole planet seems to be being invaded by awful bugs; it could be our downfall.
DeleteI think you'll have to take some grafts of this apple tree and graft them onto some of your own. Kev, over at http://www.englishhomestead.com/ has done this loads of times and somewhere on his blog you will find details of how to do it. I managed to do this myself a couple of years ago with a very late fruiting apple tree that was in a hedgerow and to my amazement it actually worked! The following year the hedge was cut and the apple tree disappeared so I was glad I did.
ReplyDeleteI have taken cuttings from ancient varieties, and they do grow. I shall take several, and cross my fingers.
DeleteWorra lorra windfalls !!! They should keep you going for a while !! XXXX
ReplyDeleteI scrumped another lot this morning!
DeleteWe used to have James Greaves apple trees when I was young. I have never seen them anywhere to buy and would love to as they were delicious.
ReplyDeleteI think we had one too. My people always had good orchards.
DeleteWeaver had some wonderful posts about apple trees and their apples. I loved reading about them. I can tell you all about citrus trees but I know nothing about Apple trees.
ReplyDeleteHope your grafting works. I wish I could walk to some old ancient trees like you.
cheers, parsnip
There are lots hereabouts. One finds Apples almost anywhere, many of which I suspect are self sown.
DeleteThese older varieties are worth hanging on to. Hope your cuttings work...I haven't had success with apple cuttings...what is your secret!!?
ReplyDeleteit would be worth trying grafting or even sowing a few pips as well.
I saw it on TV. In early Spring you take a 2 ft length of last year's growth and take the top 6 ins off. Plant the resulting twig to about half its length, and keep well watered. I always do several; just in case.
DeleteHopefully it is in a seed bank somewhere.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it is; it needs to be.
DeleteI think this is one of the most significant information for me.
ReplyDeleteAnd i’m glad reading your article.
But should remark on some general things, the web site style is perfect,
the articles is really great : D. Good job…
ตารางคะแนนบุนเดสลีกา