Rare fruit tree collection
The Fruit Tree Restoration Project taking place in the Walled Garden at Croxteth Hall is sponsored by the Friends of Croxteth Hall & Country Park.
On Wednesday 2 February, Nick Dunne of Frank P Matthews Nursery came to take propagation material from some of the oldest and rarest fruit trees in the Walled Garden. Nick managed to collect viable material from all the selected trees and is optimistic of a high 'take' rate. He will take these 'hardwood cuttings' back to his nursery, pot them up and look after them carefully before returning them to us as '1 year maidens' (young trees) next winter for planting out. The apples should be vigorous young plants - about 40 - 60 cms tall, but the pears which take longer to establish will be somewhat smaller.
On his visit, Nick also advised us how to rejuvenate some of the oldest, and consequently most interesting, fruit trees in the garden. Following this advice, careful pruning has left them looking a little 'sparse' at the moment, and success is not guaranteed, but where they do re-grow, they will continue to make a fascinating contribution to the collection. Watch this space!
Nick commented following his visit
"You have an amazing garden and it is being looked after with a high degree of skill and enthusiasm, something I rarely see these days. I look forward to continuing to be involved in this project"
The year ahead will be a busy one. Lifting dead, diseased and dying fruit trees; preparing the ground and supports for the new generation to come, training staff and providing information to let everyone know how the project is progressing. This is an important project which, particularly in these difficult times, would not be happening without the generous support from the 'Friends'. and its success will leave a legacy, the like of which is increasingly rare, for future generations to enjoy.
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