Since then, we've added about twenty more trees and bushes, and countless more shrubs and flowers. Then there's the 600 bulbs I planted a few months ago - I won't go into how backbreaking the planting of them was! But it's done.
Still, a year on, we realised that there were a few gaps in our fruit tree selection. So we ordered a few more, to fill in the spaces, and they arrived this week.
Top of the list was a chestnut tree. I'd always wanted one, and because they're so big, they're something suburban backyards can't really manage. But here, at the farm, we can do it. Chestnuts are self-fertile, and my wee sapling arrived in good order, and should be producing in vast quantities within a few years. "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire" sounds good to me!
We also ordered a couple of apricots - a "moorpark" and a "tomcot". Our property is sunny and warm enough to give them a go, even though we are very far south, so I've bought two, and will be planting them in one of the sunniest spots on the place.
Nearby will be planted the two new nectarines (firebrites), which I hope will also do well.
Rounding up the bunch was another pear tree - a conference. We already have a few pear trees, so pollination isn't a problem, and we eat so many of them that another variety will be welcome. Plus, pear trees are so beautiful!
And three more apple trees - a fuji (to keep my dad happy), and a worcester pearmain (to keep me happy), plus a hetlina.
So they're the new additions. The orchard is now expanding well, and within a few years we should not only be completely self-sufficient in fruit and nuts (with enough to sell and give away to friends), but we'll also have varieties that will keep us in fresh fruit throughout the year, as I've been careful to select early through to late bearers of various fruit types.
Next job will be getting the mini digger in and planting them all!
Have a lovely day!
3 comments:
It sounds like you have some busy times ahead of you. It will be so wonderfully rewarding. You have a great selection and it will be fabulous to eat seasonally from your own orchard.
I hope you are keeping warm. Have been looking at the ODT site and it looks super chilly there.
Take care
We need more fruit. It's much nicer being able to pick our own and not having to buy from the shops.
Barb.
Hi Bruise Mouse - Absolutely! I;m still waiting to shift off this horrible flu that has had been pretty much bedridden for over a month, and then I'll be getting the trees in!
I hope you're keeping well too :-)
Hi Barb - You're so right - there's nothing quite like picking your own fruit. But it will be half a decade before we get anything from these trees at least.
Still, every time I plant a fruit tree it is nice to think how one day we'll enjoy the benefits :-)
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