Rups and PDS really good that you are getting on with winder projects. I haven’t done that much during this season. It’s been too cold and wet and I’ve been too wobbly but I have started on some indoor jobs and my first tomatoes have sprouted. They’ll probably shrivel up and die, and if they don’t I have no idea what I’m going to do with all these tomatoes but I’m pleased to have made a start on the garden
2 Likes
Got a couple of strips to cover in cardboard and then mulch but quite tricky with dog that likes cardboard 
, interested in your choice of Blenheim Orange, is that because it is an all-rounder? My next apple will be a couple of burgundy coloured eaters, that is for sure.
1 Like
We tend to cook up remainder tomatoes and freeze, they have a richer, punchier flavour than their tinned cousins.
2 Likes
Do you mean an apple with red flesh?
We’ve got a tree that produces those. Very nice it is too. Id like a russet but I’ve not the space
1 Like
Aye, or a spartan cultivar or the like. I have two russets, the rosemary russet produced no fruit last year which was odd because I had a bumper crop otherwise. 
Hi Rups had a draw full os Spartan, crisp and juicy but not a great flavour but have stored well so far, those brought indoors don’t stay crisp for long so sliced and dried and given away as healthy low sugar snacks. Another idea on storage. Saved the paper mache trays four peaches came in and plastic clear compartment trays savoury mixed biscuits in tins come in. Fit an apple in each compartment so not physically touching neighbours. This time of year when checking them over so much easier.
2 Likes
You must have very green fingers. Mine died in December 
x
Started to dig hole for a Blenheim Orange apple tree given us at Christmas, boy is it hard work, a professional gardener of 50 odd years and still reasonably fit but struggling . To be fair it is compacted as cars parked on it so I am being hard on myself 
2 Likes
Just take your time you’ll get there. I’m sure it’ll be worth it when you get to eat the fruit 
Tidied the greenhouse ready for spring - very pleased with myself
3 Likes
Been a tad busy with work for some months and whilst I have a bit of free time thought I’d drop by.
I am fascinated by your fertiliser butt. I have similar on my allotment - not raised off the ground. Its a large butt and I have a comfrey plant that grows next to it. Stinks a bit in the summer but its pretty good stuff!
1 Like
Might need some advice about pruning a small apple tree. Braeburn, currently in a pot but about to be moved into the garden.
Will try to get a picture and maybe someone can advise
Ohh Al @Pontwander what a lovely thing to say and the tree and plants are amazing you have a great job working out in nature so passionately.
“They were broadcast on the 17/3/22 just 38 days after my stroke, to see them lifted, graded and bagged, an empty space now occupying where they’ve grown for 364 days was a moment for me”
You’ve done an amazing job 38 days after your stroke. Many more to seed and grow. Amazing work and I can only imagine the smell of young trees.
Keep on going onward and upwards 
1 Like
Pines can romp away Pontwander so you will at some stage sit under them and hopefully have cones dropped on you from above by pesky squirrels. Round these parts on commons Scot’s pine can become invasive and have to be thinned. Think in England the only place that they occur naturally is Norfolk way. But in past we’re more widespread on light sandy soils so pollen samples taken from below ground tell us.
1 Like
A wonderful milestone post stroke to have and a living testament to time rebuilding and further milestones. 
2 Likes
Hi Pinewander many moon rises ago had bright idea to visit Chile with gardening chum their flora fantastic. Money needed so collected seed from famous monkey puzzle Ave @Castle Kennedy in Scotland to finance trip grew 20 then sold few at £25 each few years later 4 5/6’s for £200 each.Then my bubble burst when my teenage sons discovered my plan and pointed out the family had not had decent holiday for years sand I proposed having a boozing botanical jaunt . Boy did family give me a good verbal kicking. Money put in family piggy. Woodmen in New Forest always carried a bit of Pinewood in their pockets to start fires. They lovingly called it ‘Turpy wood’
3 Likes
About five years ago, I planted a Lagarostrobos franklinii (Huon Pine), it grows 2mm every year. I fear, I may never sit beneath it, but perhaps I can sit next to it and we can look each other in the eye.
1 Like
Keep your orbs peeled for the pine bolete, it may just get a whiff of your conifers and move in.
1 Like