Orchard Care

[sumi]

There are so many apple trees all over here, from crab apples to cooking apples. I decided to do something different and plant a cherry tree I need to clear the space for it first and then go find one, but it's on the to-do list.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I wish we could grow cherry trees here! We do well with citrus in this climate. My neighbor has two young apple trees, but so far, they've set some fruit but it drops. Maybe there is a variety that will do well here - I need to keep searching.

 

[sumi]

That is something I miss terribly from S.A. We were able to grow so many things and we did! We had paw-paws, citrus trees, avocado trees, later fig trees, apricots, the neighbours had mangoes and litchis… So many things I either cannot find here now, or pay dearly for, because the climate doesn't suit it.

 

[Beekissed]

Oh, VERY pretty!!!! Loaded with bloom! Looks like you will be getting some FRUIT.

 

[NH Homesteader]

 

[sumi]

Fig preserves are heavenly! In S.A. a lot of people preserve the small, unripe figs too. They are sooooo good!

http://www.hulettssugar.co.za/step_into_our_kitchen_recipes_green_fig_preserve_market_day#

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Interesting - I had no idea you could preserve the green ones!

 

[sumi]

They make amazing preserves!

 

[frustratedearthmother]

 

[Britesea]

oh, absolutely! We can't because DH is very allergic to beestings; that's why we encourage the wild bees which tend to be very docile.