Wot2Grow

What a fantastic December in the Orchard!! A big thank you to everyone who came and helped with the tree and raspberry planting. Without the members and supporters we couldn't manage all these tasks.

We had another great session with John Edgeley who showed us many good tips for planting trees as well as the correct orientation, depth of planting and positioning of stakes. Following this we all enthusiastically started planting in the pre-dug holes checking that the tree label was the same as the plant label posts laid out by each hole, belt and braces to make sure we planted everything according to the plan!

We completed planting the 100 trees on a freezing cold morning but at least it was bright and dry. Luckily the frost the night before was not that heavy and the ground was only frozen on the surface and a bit of forking over and it was perfect for the last of the planting. The art of putting on tree guards was soon learnt and with a production line of putting on the guards and then tying the trees securely to the stakes it really didn't take that long to protect the 100 trees,which was just as well with the strong winds we have had. Hope the bunnies will not feel too deprived!

We put in 100 raspberry canes, autumn fruiting yellow ones this time, variety All Gold. A "production line" of digging a trench, trimming roots, watering and then planting and firming in meant that we finished in record time. The planting and tying-in of 5 loganberries and 5 tayberries finished the tasks for December

The orchard really does look like one now!! The rows of trees, the lines of canes with post and wire supports, the fence, the base for the shed all confirm the amazing amount of work that has been done since April. Why not just go down and see what we have done – it really is worth seeing.
The fun starts again on January 14th when we will be planting lots of raspberry canes, gooseberries and sundry other bushes, if we are not frozen in!. Come along and join us at 10:00am and look out for posters including details for the pruning and grafting sessions.

See the photos and details at

www.wot2grow.co.uk

If you would like to join the community Orchard call one of the team or e-mail

membership@wot2grow.co.uk

Liz Atkinson (680045), Paul Sayer (680451), Derek Harbour (680676), Sue and Mike Sanderson (688080), Graham Collier (680127), Julia Stirman (01608 686776)

This site is maintained by villagers of Oxhill for the benefit of the community and those interested in the history, news and activities that make the village such a pleasant place to live.

Send mail to the editor of the Oxhill News at news-editor @ oxhill.org.uk.

Last modified: January 10, 2012