The little orchard is pretty much still a work in progress, and one which is progressing beautifully. When we moved here back in 2022 there were 3 apple trees and a plum tree, we were told that originally the whole garden had been an orchard at one point and I can just imagine how lovely that would have been. Unfortunately we had to remove one of the trees and we gave the remaining unknown apple tree a huge prune last year so it hasn’t produced anything this year. Since then we’ve made a small orchard area where the old Bramley and unknown apple tree are, planted another 4 apple trees along with a pear, moved the chickens in and sown some wild meadow seed. We’ve been getting a few apples from the new trees which has been a nice taste of things to come, it will obviously be a good few years yet until they produce a proper crop but I’m sure the wait will be worth it. The Bramley on the other hand has been bountiful!
We spent a good afternoon picking all the bramley apples we could reach, filling at least 11 of our fruit crates to the brim. The chickens had fun pecking at the fallen apples and I had fun unleashing my inner child by climbing the tree as best as I could. It took a good 4 hours of picking so I can only imagine how long it will take once all the other trees in the orchard have grown!
Back in November 2022, 4 months after we moved here we harvested all the apples from those original 3 trees. My Dad purchased an apple press and we spent many an evening making cider and apple juice. The finished produce was delicious (the cider was incredibly strong mind you) and he’s made it his mission to get the press back out this year. So along with our bramley apple harvest he’s also been collecting all the apples people have been leaving on their driveways just so he can make some more cider. A dedicated cider drinker!
We have managed to bargain at least one crate of Bramley’s away from the cider press so we can can make up some cakes, pies and crumbles. Autumn wouldn’t be Autumn without a crumble or two after all.
P.s Just incase you need any handy sturdy wooden ladders and fruit crates for your own apple picking!
https://www.orchardgardenantiques.co.uk/product-category/garden-furniture/ladders-garden-furniture/
https://www.orchardgardenantiques.co.uk/shop/2-wooden-fruit-crates/
