We went recently to Priorwood Garden, in the Borders town of Melrose, on one of our occasional "old peoples" trips. Next to the graceful ruins of Melrose Abbey is a small orchard containing apples dating from medieval times to the present. We'd waited to visit until the apples were ripening, so that we could be tantalised by the prospect of one day picking our own apples. We'll have to be patient for a couple more years, but I'm persuaded that we might add a Victoria plum to our tiny orchard, along with a couple of unfussy cherries. Our old crab apple, though, is covered in fruit, and younger son has plans for making jelly.
Priorwood, a tiny garden, has a dried flower shop where you can see the drying process taking place (and buy dried flowers, of course), and holds an apple day in October (I think possibly on 2 October - for anyone interested there is a phone number on the website). It's a lovely place to visit at this time of year.
Melrose Abbey
Crab apple, John Downie
This damson has rooted partway along its stem
Cooking apple, Dr Harvey
Eating apple, Miller's seedling
4 comments:
It's heartening to know that some of the older variety of fruit are being reinvigorated before they disappear forever. Supermarkets here in New Zealand seem to just stock the common variety of apple and plum, having been stored in refrigerators between seasons, & all taste the same. I planted a coxes orange apple tree, and damson plum a month or two ago, and your blog reminded me that I want to put in a crab apple too before summer is here. I just have to stop the dogs from running into them when they are doing good imitation of speedway drivers.
What a wonderful place. I would love to have an orchard where I could just go out and pick my lunch. :<) I love the colors of your blog. Very soothing and beautiful.
Such a delightful place. It must necessarily calm the mind to be amidst serenity such as this.
Nicole, I find apple varieties fascinating, and it was wonderful to see them. I am planning to visit again in spring, when the trees will be in blossom. I want to plant some more crab apples in our own garden, too.
Nan, yes indeed - I am nurturing our baby trees and hoping for apples next year!
Anil, it is beautiful. We didn't visit the ruined abbey on this occasion, but will do so again next time - it's proximity makes the garden even more lovely.
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