Orchard Notes
Latest Feature Articles
- Book Notes: English Orchards, a Landscape History, by Gerry Barnes and Tom Williamson
This fascinating history of orchards and in the English landscape is essential reading for pomologists and social historians alike. - Winter Pruning Cordon Apple Trees, ‘Short Spur’ MethodI’ve been winter pruning my cordon apple trees; here’s the general method I used and details of how I pruned each tree.
- The Museum of Cider, a Highlight of HerefordThe Museum of Cider offers a rather fascinating visitor experience that any apple, orchard or cider fans will thoroughly enjoy.
- On the Quiet Joy of Fruit-Bookish EphemeraSometimes you find the most fascinating bits and bobs tucked away in second-hand fruit books. Here’s my latest discovery.
- Book Notes: The Commonplace Book of John Gwin of LlangwmThis historical document provides a fascinating insight into orcharding practises, and apple and pear varieties, of the C17th.
- Gallery: Malus ‘Red Sentinel’ in WinterA few snowy and icy days provided an opportunity for some lovely, wintry photos of a rather superb crab apple.
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Most Recent Posts & Articles
- M. Chomel (Richard Bradley) on ‘Mixtures With Cyder’Here are a few C18th suggestions as to added flavours that you might – or might not – like to add to your cyder.
- Book Notes: English Orchards, a Landscape History, by Gerry Barnes and Tom WilliamsonThis fascinating history of orchards and in the English landscape is essential reading for pomologists and social historians alike.
- Conrad Heresbach (and Barnaby Googe) on GraffingA few words of reasonable wisdom on ‘graffing’ from a learned C16th gentleman… plus a whole lot of apparent nonsense.
- Winter Pruning Cordon Apple Trees, ‘Short Spur’ MethodI’ve been winter pruning my cordon apple trees; here’s the general method I used and details of how I pruned each tree.
- Jeanette C. Van Duyn on Making ‘Apricot Maizena Mould’Maizena? Maizena? Whatever could it be, and how do you ‘mould’ it? This C20th recipe has all the answers.
- The Museum of Cider, a Highlight of HerefordThe Museum of Cider offers a rather fascinating visitor experience that any apple, orchard or cider fans will thoroughly enjoy.
- May Byron, on Making ‘Apples, Scalloped’Here’s a WWI-era recipe for a breadcrumb enhanced apple sauce suitable for serving with various roast meats. Or for scoffing with a spoon.
- Anon, on Preserving Fruit Blossom from Spring FrostsThis C18th method for protecting fruit trees from the cold sounds a bit suspect to me, but the author was clearly convinced.
- The Old Fort Settlers, on Making ‘Squash-Apple Bake’This 1975 recipe, for a crumble in all but name, has a sweet / slightly savory twist that I reckon would work rather well.
- Lucy H. Yates, on Making ‘Apple Beignets’These sweet, simple, deep-fried, battered apple rings are sure to put a smile on your face on a wet winter’s day.
- Benjamin Whitmill (the Elder) on Gathering CyonsHere’s some eighteenth century advice on the best time to collect pear and plum scions and how to store them before grafting.
- David Brossard, on Cherishing Apple Trees in WinterWhat a lovely idea. I’m sure we all want to cherish our trees properly in winter, don’t we? Buckets at the ready, folks.
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