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All the trees at Lazonby (CA10) and at around 400 feet above sea level (about 124-130m). All surveyed 4th May.

Keswick Codlin grafted 2014, petal fall, it had no blossom last year
Discovery, bought/planted 2014 when 2 years old, full
Adam Pearmain, grafted 2014, full
Newton Wonder, grafted 2014, full
Winston, grafted 2014, full
Lemon Square, grafted 2015, no blossom, it had lots of apples last year
Ribston pip[in, grafted 2014, full
Lord Derby, grafted 2014, pink bud
Fiesta, grafted 2015, pink bud

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Postcode: CA2 4BT
• Variety name: Howgate Wonder
• Blossom stage: Full blossom
• Date: 29 April 2020
• Age of tree: Planted c1980 according to neighbour
• Any details about the situation: 35 m altitude according to phone GPS; photograph taken facing northwards close to house

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A Lord Lambourne and Bramley both flowering 95% on 30th April 2020.
Large amount of blossoms nearly best ever.
Lots of bees and insects about too.
It due to very good sunny dry weather with low winds i suspect.
Wildlife benefitted from covid19 shutdown it seems.
















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CA10 3JP
Pear variety unknown
Full blossom
25th April 2020
20 years plus
620 ft above sea level in valley bottom at Crosby Ravensworth

Regards

Drew Woodward

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Gennet Moyle – 50% full blossom on 20/4/20

Tree is 5-6 years old

650ft amsl, NE facing slope

CA13 0SR

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I thought Members might like a recipe that puts their apples to a very good use. It makes a lovely moist textured cake. I don’t know how long it keeps for – not long in our house! Enjoy.

Caryl

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Swelling buds on Ashmead's Kernel

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Our 10th annual grafting event was held at Newton Rigg College on Saturday 15th February 2020. Despite the advent of storm Dennis, 17 members attended, some of whom were returnees, but many who were there to try grafting for the first time. 4 grafters joined NCOG specifically to take part in this event and create their own trees!

The workshop was led by Hilary Wilson, Mark Evens, Chris Braithwaite and Ros Nichol. Every rootstock ordered by NCOG was used, plus some extras. In total, more than 60 new trees were grafted using scion wood supplied from members' orchards. We are delighted to be assisting in the growth of new orchards and the spread of heritage apple varieties across North Cumbria and beyond - we estimate that we have been responsible for 500-700 new trees over the last decade!

Thanks go to Hilary, Mark, Chris and Ros for sharing their expertise and to Shelagh Todd, Head of Horticulture at Newton Rigg, for hosting and facilitating the event. Thank you also to Alison Evens for administering the sale of rootstocks.

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Co-incidence, have just seen your Sunday email Mark. I unwrapped some Ashmeads Kernel yesterday evening to prepare a pudding. Had to open 16 to get 5 without rot. Those five were a fine flavour but poor texture and cooked to a mush.
By comparison Adam's Pearmain are still near perfect and keep shape when sliced for tarts. And the tree is much more resistant to canker.
Winston are keeping well but their flavour is fading.
Ken Parkes

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For the last month, I would say that Ashmead’s Kernel has definitely been the star. Previous to that, Egremont Russet and Pitmaston Pine Apple were favourites. Close contenders now are Rosemary Russet, Duke of Devonshire and Fiesta. Generally, the russets win on flavour.

Any alternative views?