Counting and Predicting

To begin with, I will revisit the scenario at the height of the apple blossoming early in May.

You did read correctly that, in spite of a magnificent show of blossom, which during the warmest hours, I could smell the nectar, neither bees nor insects of any description were seen by me in the open flowers.

Clearly the beekeepers were having difficulties with the normally strong and active colonies. The wet during April appears to have discouraged their numbers to build, and going by where apples have set they were too weak to fly their usual radius. Only now are our Bumble Bees up to usual numbers – a month later than usual, too late for apple blossom.

There are apples to be seen – at the moment it looks like September ripening varieties will dominate – Worcester Pearmain and St Edmund’s Russet. It is interesting to see that, where they have set, fruits are in singles – even Red Ellison. Generally a sprinkle across the orchard with a noticeable absence of Cox. No frosts have been involved this year – proved by the fact that our Bramleys are not exhibiting frost scars around the eyes. A whiff of low temperatures pre, during and post blossom and Bramley will scar.

So, it looks like a short campaign for the mail order packs this season. I shall be mailing out to those of you on our mailing list early in July.

Any newcomers to this site may be added to the mailing list on application to :- tannandrew@gmail.com

St. Edmund’s Russet – should be ready early in September.

Mail order pack, single layer, apples. A two layer pack will also be available. We are happy to pack a mixture – with a label for identification purposes! In addition, an ‘economy grade’ is available of slightly scarred fruits at a lower price.