More work getting ready for winter

I've been doing more routine tidying up and getting ready for winter. I have put wood shavings around the roots of trees, that should rot down and become compost. I had my son with me and he was not happy, it was cold and windy and he just wanted me to take him home. I have done a couple of rows and have to apply some compost and bone-meal to encourage the trees to grow this will take a couple more weekends.

I had to work with my son sat on my shoulders, that was hard. I wouldn't recommend it. I have had some rabbit damage and have now pee'ed around the tree and put on a new rabbit guard. I hope that will deter the blighter's.

I also visited Ryton Gardens spoke to a couple of people about what I should be doing to prep up for winter. It was apple day. Tried some apples and juice. I did a taste test with my wife of egremont russet one organic and one not, we both thought the organic was much better sweeter, softer. However it had a lot more bumps and wasn't a nice circle shape.

The picture shows my wife holding an organic egremont russet at Ryton Gardens, in the orchard.

Getting ready for winter

Its been a busy day today, however the past couple of weeks have been slow. The bees are taking down the sugar syrup and they have now consumed over 45 kg's of sugar.

I have been doing lots of weeding, today and getting ready to put the trees to sleep for the winter. Clearing out the area around the trees; clearing them of weeds etc, as the pictures show.

Next week I will put wood shaving and straw around the trees to absorb water and rot down and become compost. I have done three, rows of clearing and will finish the process hopefully next weekend.

I listened to the food program on Radio 4 which was on Northern Orchards. Very interesting. Julian Templeton was mentioned, Julian is an orchard owner and cider maker that I met last year at his orchard in Dorset. He is a bit of a legend in the orchard/cider world. He s famous for supplying cider to Glastonbury, war with the tax man and so much more.

Also at the orchard I have seen loads of ladybirds, snails, spiders etc. The weather was beautiful blue sky's, green grass and just me and the trees. Listening to music and enjoying the day, and the trees.

I noticed a couple of things, I have seen some blossom on a couple of apple trees, and it smells beautiful. Some dandelions and daisy's still in flower. This is strange but in general the trees are starting to lose leaves etc. While watching the bees I noticed them still bringing in pollen. not bad for the time of year.