The frosts we have experienced during this month have been a concern, particularly for those of us with fruit trees. Hopefully, the blossom will survive long enough for the bees to begin their pollination task as the weather warms up. Fortunately, we appear to have suffered only ground frosts.
In May 1900, fruit tree growers on St Ann’s Allotments were also concerned about the impact of frost on their Old Keswick Codlings. No, not a fish from the Lake District, but a cooking apple grown since 1793. Thankfully, it was reported in the Nottingham Journal that:
“The Old Keswick Codling, the latest to blossom forth, is the most forward at the present time… the weather… has been very bright and dry at night-time, therefore the frost has not affected either the bloom or the growth. So long as there is no moisture on the foliage the frost does not interfere.” In fact, the report predicted that “with respect to the fruit crop, there is every promise of a rich harvest, particularly as regards plums and pears. The frost has not been detrimental.”
Let’s hope that our current fruit trees prove productive this year.
A month earlier in April 1900, the Nottingham Journal had reported that “the Hungerhill gardens just now present a most charming appearance… for the delicate plum bloom is now at its best. Many of the gardeners have given the poles of the trees a coat of lime-wash, and there is such a shimmer of white everywhere that the scene suggests a frosty winter landscape.” Clearly, an artificial frosty landscape was replaced a month later by the real thing.
In October 1894, the Manchester Times listed varieties of apples that were suitable for growing in certain regions. One variety quoted as not being suited to the Midlands was American Mother. That variety of apple is growing next to the Nursery, alongside the large polytunnel and last year it had a wonderful crop of bright red eating apples. Keep an eye on it, as it seems to me that, unless climate change has had an impact, the Manchester Times might have been wrong with their advice.
