Community Orchard Update

With spring fast approaching members of the Chobham Manor Gardening group have been busy in the rain garden orchard.  We have carried out some further light pruning of the apple and pear trees which are growing there to encourage a good display of blossom when the time comes, and potentially more fruit in the autumn.  This has been greatly helped by the purchase of a tripod ladder and pruning tools using CMRA funds.    

We are also pleased to have been able to source a replacement ‘Bountiful’ apple tree the same variety that was originally planted in line with the orchard planting plan approved when Chobham Manor received planning permission.   This has replaced the standard crab apple that was incorrectly planted by contractors towards the end of last year and which has found a new home on the estate.  While still a very small specimen, in a few years the newly planted tree is expected to catch up with its more established neighbours and with its semi-vigorous rootstock it should ultimately grow to a height of around 3-4 metres.  Healthy growth of all the trees will be helped by keeping an area around the base of each relatively free from weeds with wood chip mulch to help reduce the need for watering during dry spells.

To coincide with the arrival of the blossom in spring, we are currently putting the finishing touches to a small sign to be installed in the orchard on one of the existing sign posts.  The sign will incorporate some lovely artwork prepared by the local brownie group and contain information about the varieties of apple and pear to be found in the orchard. 

As always, please get in touch with clubs@chobhammanor.org for more information or if you would like to get involved in activities connected with the orchard.