End of June Update

Warmer days and, at last, nights too, are spurring the growth of everything.

Apples can now be seen over much of the orchard, There are some areas with mainly leaves, and no particular variety has set heavily. The apples which will fall during the June drop are now looking smaller and velvety compared with the shiny, bolder fruits which will probably stay until maturity. Those of you with Ellison’s Orange will be aware of two facts with this variety : a) they are biennial with few fruits one year followed by many bunches of tiny apples the next, b) they rarely drop much at this time of year. Our Red Ellison behave like this usually. This year it is evident that a significant drop is imminent. This in itself indicates an ‘odd’ season, for whatever reason!

Cherries are dropping as they have not tolerated the chilly weather late in May and earlier this month. Plums are showing a light set with the exception of Victoria. Not much in the way of gages to be seen.

Beetroot and carrots are now being pulled from our Dutch Light Structure (greenhouse), where Cobra French beans are just starting their season. Outside the onions plod along having survived waterlogging, dryness and uneven temperatures. A few turnips are for sale along with the carrots and beetroot.

Raspberries are now setting, this humid weather will be great for them  but another 3-4 weeks before any are ready.

Fallow deer have been most unwelcome, browsing on the trees and walking around within the onions one night. They are particularly partial to the growing tips of apple, cherry, rose or anything else – they have no qualms about trying things out!