Orchard

Increasing our fruit production had not been very successful so we decided to try again in a different dedicated area. Before we had added three cherry trees, an apple, plum, nectarine, Nispero and others to other planting areas and the chicken run but either the goat got to them or they did not get the attention they needed and died. We have just the apple, nispero and plum tree left plus the existing 2 cherry trees, 3 active olive trees and number of ´Irish Strawberry´ trees. Our strawberries are very successful and we have an increasing number of blackberries so fully confident we can resolve the other fruits.

On the 30th January we chose an area to the North of our house where we had cleared a number of pine trees. Then the poly tunnel build, a small accident in the car, several social gatherings, guests staying in the apartment and the usual other on going jobs around the house. Then by 11th April we had kind donations from friends of 2 fig trees, an avocado and a mulberry. In addition Frances had a nispero and fig tree to add - so a orchard of 6 trees. A fence was added from the remainder we had from other projects and supported with rebar posts. It will take some time for fruit to arrive but first up we need to nurture the trees and keep them alive and thriving.

We added trellis to give the avocado added protection from the wind and the plan is to add some climbing fruit plants to the trellis as well.