I don't like to see productive Apple trees die.
In recent years we have lost TWO remarkable trees; possibly even RARE trees.
The first to go was plain and simple vandalism. I had gone to take a cutting in order to preserve the variety, and, lo, it had gone! The owner, who suddenly developed a hatred for trees, had cut it down. Sadly I have no photo.
So, why, you might ask was this tree so special? It wasn't a particularly wonderful tasting Apple, but its exceptional attributes lay elsewhere. You could hold it in the palm of your hand and squeeze all the juice from it without hardly exerting any pressure. I have never come across another Apple like it, and no reference to such an Apple could be found online. It could well have been the last of its type.
The second tree (above) has just died. It lived in a hedge just down at the bottom of the field in front of our house. Sadly it became smothered with Ivy, and could no longer breathe!
It was exceptional in as much as it could cope with extremely low temperatures. The fruit would fall in Autumn, just like any other tree, but would remain edible on the ground almost into Spring. The photo below was taken around March after a particularly bitter Winter, and the majority of the fruits were still perfectly OK.
As you can see, it was a yellow Apple with small red spots, and a lovely flavour. I shall miss the tree, even though I'm no longer here during the Winter months. I think I was the only person to gather them. The Deer ate most of them.
At least the deer had a feast!
ReplyDeleteThey need their 5-a-day, like the rest of us!
DeleteIt's a pity when a fruit tree is cut for no reason. Now the Cypress tree that blocks our view is another story, though a haircut would satisfy us.
ReplyDeleteOne of our neighbours has cut down a pear, pomegranate and orange tree because his well dried up and he doesn't want to pay for council water.
It is absolutely crazy and we can't understand him at all. They only need a bit of water in midsummer.
People do have the craziest ideas. If they had died naturally, it would be sad but understandable, but to cut them down pre-empting a lack of water is ridiculous.
DeleteCycle of life, Cro. As regrettable as it is. Sometimes heartbreaking. You call the cutting down of tree No 1 "vandalism". Indeed. What do you call war?
ReplyDeleteWithout wishing to ignite political debate: I visited Yael's blog for the first time a day or so ago; read some of her back log. Whilst her plight is undeniable she doesn't appear to acknowledge what Israel is dishing out; now on more than one front. There is no excuse for it. And to call any criticism at the regime "antisemitic" misses the point.
Hope you'll find another apple tree to enjoy. How are the girolles doing in your heat? I am positively green with envy at your bounty.
U
You first have to understand that the unprovoked murder and mutilation of 1,200 innocent civilians, and the taking of 250 hostages, was bound to attract reprisals. Hamas knew that, and they also knew that many antisemitic folk would start to support them as a result. And they have!
DeleteUrsula, I wish I had the strength to answer you and explain how aware I am of what is happening. After so many nights of alarms and missiles whose sole purpose is to kill me, I am too tired. Not all criticism is anti-Semitism, but ignoring the terrible massacre that took place here can certainly be related to the fact that some people think that our lives are worth less. Do you think we should agree to be victims and not respond to aggression against us? This is a rhetorical question, of course. And believe me, I can recognize anti-Semitism when I encounter it, even when it is well disguised.
DeleteThank you for your response, Yael. I can't imagine what it's like for you.
DeleteThe massacre you refer to was most certainly not ignored by the rest of the world. There was outrage. Eventually the tide turned when Israel's retaliation became a relentless and indiscriminate persecution of the innocent. How does one, in humanitarian terms, justify bombings on hospitals, food transports stopped, letting people starve, demanding they leave what is their home, displacing them?
The Palestine/Israel question is old; it's a conundrum I can't claim to fully understand despite having tried to get my head round it since forever, well before the recent "incident".
As Jews - for reasons I don't understand - seem to have been made scape goats and persecuted (and, no, not just by Hitler's Germany) in many places they are perceived as victims. And as such they are being made allowances for. But never let us be blinded when a wrong is returned with a wrong.
I wish you and yours the best, not least luck and, most of all, peace.
Ursula
It is a sign of cowardice when terrorists hide beneath Hospitals and schools. All terrorist groups do it, and they know the consequences. It's all a part of their evil plans.
DeleteSometimes little worms bore into apples and this can kill the tree. It happens across temperate regions and is known as global worming!
ReplyDeleteWhen I first moved here to France, my neighbour told me he would only eat an Apple if it had a worm inside. His theory was that if the worm liked it, he would like it too. It was proof that the Apple 'unadulterated' by chemicals
DeleteTime to plant more trees, planting trees we will never enjoy the fruit or shade of, is planting hope for the future.
ReplyDeleteI have planted a lot of fruit trees here. I planted one for each of my six grandsons, on the very days of their birth. I also planted plenty of others simply for the pleasure of the fruit.
DeleteI wanted to write something about apples too, but I'm out of breath. I don't always have time to comment these days,
ReplyDeleteYou should concentrate on looking after yourself and your family. Commenting is far less important, and can always wait.
DeleteCutting down a tree unnecessarily is wrong and sad. Fruit trees give back so much. There is no justification for eliminating a productive tree.
ReplyDeleteWill you plant replacement trees?
Neither of the one's I mentioned were on my land. I have planted lots of fruit trees, but I doubt if I'll plant more.
DeleteOur Plum died and we replaced it. Turns out their lifespan is around 35 years. It was a mature tree when we bought the house. Beautiful blossom but very little fruit. I think the biggest crop was six Plums and the dog got them before we did.
ReplyDeleteI've planted two Plum trees here. They are both very unproductive, and what fruit there is, is usually full of bugs! We also have some semi-wild small Plums with which we make jam. They are always loaded with fruit, and NO BUGS.
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