Later than usual I have at last pruned the apple trees in what looks like Potager's very own orchard. The trees started life as nursery stock for sale in the 1980's when Potager was High Cross Nurseries Garden Centre, the 'stock' then lay abandoned and forgotten about by all but the birds and insects until we found them and with the help of friends cleared the choking brambles away.
Today they have become strong trees, sister trees have lain neglected next to them recently uncovered they sadly look past saving. We will use the space to plant fresh trees and extend what we can now call an orchard.
As I worked, mostly from the step ladders, I was glad I not to be dodging the chickens and their house. From their arrival until last week they had lived under these apple trees, the ground is now bare, their daily scratching concentrated and persistent has done a good job. As I prune Saffa and Becky are in the lower field tending to the chickens housework. This results in plenty of poo enriched straw which when composted with our garden and kitchen waste will enrich our soil.
Earlier in the week Peter took his secateurs to all the apples and pears we have planted since 2000, still small these trees are easily pruned from the ground. While Anna and I continued to clear away the effects of winter, somewhat harsher than usual but giving us great new planting opportunities where plants haven't survived the intense cold.
Mark, Awen and Spence are making good progress on the new Prop House Studios, that old glass house, once hidden from view by overgrown nursery stock on the right of the site as you enter is turning into a beautiful swan. Never an ugly building it now has three work spaces in prime position overlooking the garden.
On Saturday Anna and I attended a wild food walk with Rachel Lambert and we are now planning a collaboration which will ' combine the flavours of the vegetable garden and beyond ' resulting in cooking up some big feasts to share in the cafe.
Watch this space.
Saffa has sown seeds of delicious things to eat which are germinating well in newly improvised mouse proof bench top enclosures. After a mouse has visited and removed every pea or sweet corn kernel you could easily be fooled , so neatly does it help itself to an easy pickings nutritious meal, that it looks like the planting holes have been prepared and you have simply forgotten to sow your seeds!
Don't forget if you would like to learn more you are welcome to join us and help out with all the tasks in the garden every Friday, and its not long until we open and you can visit on Sundays to see whats coming up.
