Trees

James Grieve Apple is a hardy, deciduous tree suitable for cold climate zones. It is best grown in northerly areas with cold winters, moderate summer temperatures, and medium to high humidity. It’s an old apple variety, raised in 1893. in Edinburgh, Scotland, by James Grieve from pollination of Cox’s Orange Pippin and most likely Pott’s Seedling apple. Generally, a resilient plant, it needs some protection from harsh winds. It’s a good polliniser for other apples. It cannot be found in supermarkets because it is sensitive to pressure and easily bruised and cannot sustain supermarket handling.

James Grieve apples are medium to large, yellow-green, speckled and striped orange-red, with creamy, refreshing and very juicy flesh. At the beginning of season, it is sharp and perfect for cooking, retaining its shape when cooked. After a few weeks, it becomes milder and sweeter, like a firm pear in texture.

M27 is an ultra-dwarfing rootstock for apple trees, resulting in trees that reach only 6-8 feet in height. Ideal for small gardens or container planting, M27 enables high-density orchards and easy harvesting. It induces early fruiting, often within 2-3 years of planting. Good soil preparation and staking are essential, as it offers limited vigor and anchorage. Regular watering and fertilizing are crucial for healthy growth.

Laxton's Superb Apple is an old-fashioned, traditional, sweet, aromatic dessert apple. It was bred by Laxton Brothers in Bedford, UK in 1897. This apple plant is great for cold or exposed locations. It is fast-growing, but has a tendency to biennial bearing. It brings better crop when planted with another variety. It prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Doesn’t like very acidic soils, shallow chalk soils, and shade more than half of the day. Its flowers are pretty and fragrant, white with some pink, self-pollinating and long-lasting.

The fruit is green-yellow with orange-red blush and crisp firm flesh. It is similar to Cox’s Orange Pippin, which is one of its parents, but it is a bit superior with larger fruits, slightly richer flavour and better keeping qualities. Ready for harvesting in October, it can be stored till January. Late-season and heavy cropping.

M27 is an ultra-dwarfing rootstock for apple trees, resulting in trees that reach only 6-8 feet in height. Ideal for small gardens or container planting, M27 enables high-density orchards and easy harvesting. It induces early fruiting, often within 2-3 years of planting. Good soil preparation and staking are essential, as it offers limited vigor and anchorage. Regular watering and fertilizing are crucial for healthy growth.

Malus domestica 'Discovery' is an excellent early-producing apple tree with an upright, compact growth habit. Attractive white flowers emerge in spring, and delicious bright red apples, with hints of green and yellow, are ready for harvesting in late August and September. The apples are hard and crisp, sweet and slightly acidic, with delicate light flavour that has a touch of strawberry. As every early-producing variety, it can be stored only for a short period of time. Discovery Apple tree is very easy to care for. It is resilient and undemanding. It prefers neutral, well-drained soil, and full sun in a sheltered position. It is generally disease-resistant and pest-resistant and tolerates frost very well. It is not self-pollinating. It needs to cross-pollinate with other apple trees. As a partial tip-barer, it can be grown in cordons and espaliers. Suitable for containers and large pots.

M26 is a semi-dwarfing rootstock (smaller than MM106) used for apple trees, particularly in orchards and home gardens. It produces trees 10-12 feet in height, making them easier to manage and harvest. M26 ensures early fruit production, good anchorage, and medium vigor. However, it requires staking during early years and is moderately susceptible to fire blight.

Sunset apple is a heavy-cropping garden apple with upright, compact habit and attractive pale pink flowers that bloom in March. They are followed by small, round to ovate, golden-yellow and green fruit with red and orange striping. A white to ivory flesh is crisp, firm and fine-grained, sometimes tinged with green. It has sweet, sharp, aromatic flavour. Sunset Apple was bred in approximately 1918 by G. C. Addy at Ightham, Kent. One of the parent varieties is Cox’s Orange Pippin Apple. Sunset Apple was meant to be similar to it, but easier to grow. It is very resilient, generally disease-free, cold and frost resistant, therefore, suitable for growing even in northern parts of Europe. Doesn’t need a pollinating partner because it is self-fertile. It is not commercially grown because of its small size. Sunset apples are crispy and juicy, great for eating or cooking. When cooked, they retain their shape.

Root stock MM106 is a semi-dwarfing rootstock commonly used for apple trees. It offers a moderate growth rate, producing trees 10-15 feet tall when mature. Suitable for medium-sized gardens, MM106 ensures good fruit yield and adaptability to various soils. It's resistant to woolly apple aphid and moderately resistant to crown rot. Ideal for bush, cordons, and espalier forms. Ensure proper staking in early years.

Laxton's Superb Apple is an old-fashioned, traditional, sweet, aromatic dessert apple. It was bred by Laxton Brothers in Bedford, UK in 1897. This apple plant is great for cold or exposed locations. It is fast-growing, but has a tendency to biennial bearing. It brings better crop when planted with another variety. It prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Doesn’t like very acidic soils, shallow chalk soils, and shade more than half of the day. Its flowers are pretty and fragrant, white with some pink, self-pollinating and long-lasting.

The fruit is green-yellow with orange-red blush and crisp firm flesh. It is similar to Cox’s Orange Pippin, which is one of its parents, but it is a bit superior with larger fruits, slightly richer flavour and better keeping qualities. Ready for harvesting in October, it can be stored till January. Late-season and heavy cropping.

Root stock MM106 is a semi-dwarfing rootstock commonly used for apple trees. It offers a moderate growth rate, producing trees 10-15 feet tall when mature. Suitable for medium-sized gardens, MM106 ensures good fruit yield and adaptability to various soils. It's resistant to woolly apple aphid and moderately resistant to crown rot. Ideal for bush, cordons, and espalier forms. Ensure proper staking in early years.

Sunset apple is a heavy-cropping garden apple with upright, compact habit and attractive pale pink flowers that bloom in March. They are followed by small, round to ovate, golden-yellow and green fruit with red and orange striping. A white to ivory flesh is crisp, firm and fine-grained, sometimes tinged with green. It has sweet, sharp, aromatic flavour. Sunset Apple was bred in approximately 1918 by G. C. Addy at Ightham, Kent. One of the parent varieties is Cox’s Orange Pippin Apple. Sunset Apple was meant to be similar to it, but easier to grow. It is very resilient, generally disease-free, cold and frost resistant, therefore, suitable for growing even in northern parts of Europe. Doesn’t need a pollinating partner because it is self-fertile. It is not commercially grown because of its small size. Sunset apples are crispy and juicy, great for eating or cooking. When cooked, they retain their shape.

M27 apple tree rootstock is a dwarfing rootstock, creating very small, manageable trees, ideal for small spaces. It induces early fruiting and is suitable for containers, requiring staking for support.

Cultivated as a concise, erect cordon, Starline 'Blue Moon' is a multifunctional apple tree perfectly suited for container growth or limited spaces. It's a prolific, contemporary apple cultivar yielding striking purple-blue apples. Harvesting in August and September, its apples offer a crunchy texture and succulent flesh, balancing sweet and tangy flavors.

This columnar apple tree, reaching 2 meters in height and 40cm in width, presents enchanting spring blossoms and visually appealing fruits, enhancing patio aesthetics. 'Blue Moon' excels in row planting, fostering your mini orchard creation, and boasts self-fertility and exceptional disease resistance.

Castanea sativa, commonly known as the sweet chestnut tree, is a majestic and long-lived species native to Europe and parts of Asia Minor. Belonging to the Fagaceae family, it stands as a symbol of strength and resilience in many cultures, with its towering stature and deeply furrowed bark.

The leaves of Castanea sativa are distinctively long and lance-shaped, with serrated edges that give them a rough texture. During the spring and summer, the canopy is adorned with clusters of creamy-white flowers, which give way to spiky green husks containing the prized sweet chestnuts in autumn.

Sweet chestnuts, often referred to simply as "chestnuts," have been a staple food source for centuries, cherished for their rich, nutty flavor and versatile culinary applications. Whether roasted over an open fire, boiled and mashed into a creamy puree, or incorporated into hearty stews and stuffing recipes, chestnuts are celebrated in both sweet and savory dishes throughout the UK.

Beyond their culinary significance, sweet chestnut trees play a vital ecological role, providing habitat and sustenance for a diverse array of wildlife. Birds, such as blue tits and nuthatches, feast on the tree's seeds, while small mammals like squirrels rely on them as a seasonal food source.

Despite their resilience, sweet chestnut trees face threats from various pests and diseases, including chestnut blight and ink disease, which have impacted populations in some regions. Conservation efforts aim to preserve these iconic trees and their valuable genetic diversity for future generations to enjoy.

The Medlar 'Nottingham' is a distinct fruit tree, revered for its historical importance and its production of unusual, tangy fruits. Originating from the species Mespilus germanica, this tree is renowned for its hardiness and minimal maintenance needs, making it an appealing choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Growing to a moderate size with a compact habit, the Medlar 'Nottingham' is ideal for smaller gardens, yielding large, russeted fruits that are not only ornamental but also edible once they undergo a process called bletting, in which the fruits are allowed to overripen, developing a sweet and tart flavor profile.

During spring, this tree is a visual delight, adorned with large, white, ornate blossoms that attract pollinators, adding ecological value to the garden ecosystem. Its leaves are deciduous and exhibit a stunning autumnal color display, providing year-round interest in the landscape.

The rich cultural and culinary history of the Medlar 'Nottingham' dates back centuries, with references in literature and historical texts underscoring its esteemed status in bygone eras. While not as commonly grown today, it remains a valued specimen for those interested in heritage fruits and traditional gardening practices. The fruits, which are known for their unique taste and texture, can be used in a variety of culinary applications, including jellies, jams, and desserts, making the Medlar 'Nottingham' a multifaceted addition to the garden.

The Gage Oullins Golden on St. Julian rootstock is a remarkable fruit tree revered for its capability to produce succulent and sweet golden fruits. This tree is grafted onto St. Julian rootstock, known for imparting a robust and resilient character to the plant, allowing it to flourish in a plethora of conditions. The moderately vigorous growth induced by this rootstock makes it suitable for gardens with limited space and offers easier manageability.

The fruits of Gage Oullins Golden are renowned for their exquisite taste and multifaceted utility. These golden gems are relished fresh and are also esteemed components in a variety of culinary creations, including jams, jellies, and baked delights, contributing a unique flavor profile that is both rich and refreshing.

This variety, with its prolific bearing, elevates garden landscapes by introducing an element of productivity and visual appeal. The allure of the sunlit golden fruits amidst the lush green foliage is a charming sight, creating a focal point of beauty and bounty. The St. Julian rootstock not only facilitates consistent and abundant yields but also aids in enhanced resistance against diseases and pests, ensuring healthier and more resilient plants. The combination of the Gage Oullins Golden with St. Julian rootstock is a harmonious union, promising a bountiful and flavorful harvest.

St. Julian rootstock is a semi-vigorous rootstock for gage trees, providing medium-sized trees, making it suitable for small gardens. It's widely used for its compatibility and adaptability, promoting good productivity and longevity. It's partially self-fertile and moderately resistant to diseases and pests. Ideal for plum and gage.

The 'Stella' cherry is a highly popular, self-fertile sweet cherry variety, renowned for its adaptability to various soil types and climates, making it a favorable choice for a range of environments. A half-standard 'Stella' denotes a specific tree form, with a clear stem/trunk beneath a bushy, well-branched crown, typically reaching heights of about 10-15 feet.

Originating from Canada, the 'Stella' cherry tree produces luscious, dark-red to almost black, heart-shaped fruits, known for their succulent, sweet, and rich flavor, making them excellent for fresh eating, baking, and preserves. The fruits generally mature around mid-summer, attracting gardeners keen on early harvests.

Apart from its culinary virtues, 'Stella' serves an ornamental purpose, exhibiting beautiful white blossoms in spring that are a feast to the eyes, contributing to the aesthetic value of gardens. This cherry variety is particularly suitable for smaller gardens or limited spaces due to its compact growth habit.

Being self-fertile means 'Stella' does not require another tree for pollination, which simplifies orchard management and enhances its appeal for home gardeners. However, planting it with other varieties can potentially improve fruit yield and quality. Care considerations include regular watering, pruning, and monitoring for pests and diseases.

Malus Domestica 'Gala' is a popular apple cultivar known for its crisp, juicy, and sweet flavor. The Gala apple was first developed in New Zealand in the 1930s and has since become one of the most widely cultivated apples in the world.

The fruit has a distinctive red and yellow skin with a creamy white flesh. It is typically medium to large in size and has a slightly conical shape. The skin of the Gala apple is thin and delicate, making it easy to bite into and chew. The flesh is firm and juicy, with a pleasant balance of sweetness and tartness.

Gala apples are versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. They are delicious eaten raw as a snack, but can also be used for cooking, baking, or juicing. Due to their sweetness and low acidity, they are particularly well-suited for making applesauce and apple juice.

The tree itself is moderately vigorous and bears fruit early in the season. It is known for its high yields and consistent fruit quality, making it a popular choice for commercial growers. The Gala apple is also a good choice for backyard orchards, as it is relatively easy to grow and maintain.

Overall, the Malus Domestica 'Gala' is a delicious and versatile apple cultivar that is enjoyed by apple lovers around the world.