We also planted a medlar tree a few years back which cropped well this year, we gave the fruit to a neighbor to make jam (hope we get a pot back!). We named our old dog medlar so had to plant a tree when we came here.
Also planted a quince, now that is a favourite and membrillo accompanying decent cheese is the best 👍. But after a massive crop 3 years ago we've had nothing since - a bit erratic.
Apple, pear, plum and cherry trees also coming on nicely and starting to bear a good crop.
Conversely, we have lost 5 trees this year, one of which ( a large Rohan) we knew nothing about until our neighbors informed us of it being prostate across the end of both our gardens. However, the garden doesn't look too different and the view from the kitchen window is still good enough to stop you in your tracks when doing the washing up at times. I know this sounds like we have a huge estate but that is truly not the case - every plant in the garden has to merit its own space. With a few large shrubs also lost during the summer, I'm thinking about replacing them and the trees with a few new fruit trees. We have an old apple which I think is a James Grieve and another early which is a Worcester type but not sure exactly what. We planted a family tree 15 years ago which is very productive now and also have a fig which came with us when we moved house and has produced loads of fruit until this year when I think the hot dry summer did for it. It's had a good prune and I've stripped the winter fruit so hopefully it will come back stronger next year.
I'm not going to replace the pear we lost and we already have a damson and greengage that the birds squirrels etc get to before we can so any other fruit tree needs to be pretty resilient.
I've been looking at hazelnuts but I'm sure the squirrels would wreak havoc with them and although I fancy the idea of a nut tree, I don't have any experience so a bit of a leap of faith.
Last edited by PeteS; 25-11-2022 at 12:11 AM.
According to a recent article in New Scientist pumpkins and courgettes belong to the same subspecies of Cucurbita pepo. They originated in Central America, and were initially very bitter - they were eaten by amongst other megafauna mastodons, who then spread the seeds. Large animals are not bothered by bitterness, whereas small ones - who would not spread the seeds - are. Selective cultivation has lessened the bitterness, though every now and then it can re-emerge in home grown courgettes.Originally Posted by Hanneke
Picked the first two courgettes of the year today and about to eat them. These must be the earliest picking (no greenhouses) since records began
Bloody Hell Moley, that's impressive! I've had Lettuce and radishes from outdoors and mini cucumber from the greenhouse, but Courgettes is way impressive. Peas are nearly ready. Dig for victory.
Coming down your way soon as I walk the coast path from Aberystwyth to Fishguard. Done Chester to Aber, and Fishguard to Dale (Milford Haven), so the south awaits. Llyn was spectacularly lovely in the recent wall to wall sunshine.
In for a treat, all the way round Ceredigion and Pembs is lovely, not that the bit you have done is too shabby.
The section Aberystwyth to Cardigan was one of my favourite training runs, about 50 miles, I would drive to one end and then take a bus to other end and run back to the car. Tried to do it each year purely because I enjoyed it.
Seems like in another lifetime now - least I have the memories.
I don't know what's more impressive....courgettes in May or running from Cardigan to Aberystwyth!
Probably more of a jog - with stops for chips, pies and coffee on the way!
Would not have expected any less old chum....just stay away from pineapple chunks!
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