This area was planted in 2006.  I wanted to have an orchard, mainly for the fruit, of course, but it is a nice to sit and read a book or have a picnic here.  It is a small orchard with around 14 trees, so far.  Sometimes, during Winter this area can take on a lot of water so it was necessary to provide drainage under each tree.  To give the trees a good start we cut a large square around each tree and planted crocus at the base for colour in early spring. 

A mown path divides the orchard into two halves and the grass on either side of the path is left to grow naturally.  During late spring snakeshead fritillaries and lady’s smock come up through the grass and usually following a wet spring, spotted orchids will appear.  Sometimes, if spring is dry the orchids don’t show, but it is better for the fruit trees.  How do you choose?

The trees are a mixture of apple, pear, cherry, damson, plum and quince.  I have chosen some local varieties, some old varieties and some very new introductions.