Welcome to Notes From the Orchard

Latest Posts and Updates

• Book Notes: Apple, by Marcia ReissNovember 17, 2019
  A review of Marcia Reiss' social history of the apple, as told from a US-based perspective.
• Restoration Pruning of an Overgrown Plum TreeAugust 25, 2019
  Improving the branch structure of an overgrown and crowded plum tree on our allotment plot.
• How To: (Hopefully) Prevent an Orchard Aphid NightmareMay 30, 2019
  In which I attempt to save our damson from the ravages of an aphid infestation.
• Pruning: Crown-Lifting a Bramley’s SeedlingFebruary 20, 2019
  In which we remove the lower branches to create space for the tree's owner to move around their garden.
• Restorative Pruning Workshop, Platt Fields, ManchesterJanuary 23, 2019
  A day of pruning tuition and practice at Platt Fields community orchard with the Orchard Project.
• Introducing Plot #79, Orchard-in-ProgressJanuary 4, 2018
  Preparing the ground for a 20-tree orchard on a derelict allotment plot.
• Modified Lorette System Pruning, Summer 2017September 12, 2017
  Applying the Modified Lorette to our air-pot mini-orchard apple trees.
• Time To Thin Out The ApplesJuly 2, 2017
  Thinning out weaker, surplus fruitlets helps to improve the size and quality of the final fruits.
• Air-Pot Mini-Orchard Update: It’s Blossom TimeMay 2, 2017
  A healthy display of blossom should hopefully mean a few fruits to enjoy later in the year.