Its nearly 19 months since we planted the twelve new apple trees on the Hertford Heath Community Orchard.
The spindly, bare rooted saplings that we put into the cold soil in January 21 have become established and this year blossomed and are now bearing apples. It’s not clear whether these apples will be edible/cookable this year but it’s very encouraging to see the orchard come to life.
Sustainable Hertford Heath has been given a very generous grant from Hertfordshire’s Rotary Club, who are based in Ware, to support the planting of ten plum trees on the lower part of the orchard plot.
Again, we are aiming to plant traditional varieties that have been grown in Hertfordshire for hundreds of years including Golden Transparent and President, which is ideal to dry into prunes apparently. These trees should become available for planting in the late autumn/early winter this year.
To make sure that the orchard is in good shape and ready for the plum trees there will be a working party in July and a further one in September. Please come along and help, the work will be varied with some digging but also some lighter activities such as grass cutting and pruning. If you have shears or secateurs, then bring them along if not just turn up and we will provide what is needed.
Here’s to our future plum puddings!
Dates for the diary:
- Repair Shop - Sunday 17th July 2pm – 5pm Mission Room, Vicarage Causeway
- Litter Pick – Saturday 23rd July meet 10am by the war memorial, London Road
- Orchard Working Party – Sunday 31st July meet at 2pm at the orchard, London Road
