ORCHARDS FOR ALL!

Traditional orchards are undoubtedly beautiful, but not exactly practical for most gardens. There is another way, says Benedict Vanheems — a productive and space-efficient mini orchard

- Benedict Vanheems

Think of an orchard and you probably picture halcyon days sat under gnarled old apple trees fringed by wildflowers. I imagine Cider with Rosie, scrumping, the innocence of youth and the beguiling buzz, flutter and industry of pollinators like bees and butterflies.

It’s a beautiful vision, but the traditional orchard we all love isn’t exactly efficient on space, least of all practical for the average garden. Today’s gardens are small, and who has the time to prune and pick via stepladder? But does this mean a variety of tree fruits are out of the question though? Of course not! You just need to get on and plant yourself a miniature orchard.

DWARFING EXPECTATIONS

Plant breeding and the advent of dwarfing rootstocks has opened up the world of tree fruits to everyone, including those with merely a courtyard space or balcony. Now it is possible to grow a range of apples, pears, cherries, peaches and more in the most modest of spaces, in containers or flush against walls and fences to create a backdrop that’s both attractive and productive. Tree fruits are truly for everyone.

But let’s back up a moment – what exactly is a rootstock? Put simply it’s the lowest part of a fruit tree that includes all of its roots. Almost all fruit trees sold are grafted, so that the variety you are growing forms the top part of the tree and the rootstock the bottom. The graft union is where they meet, usually visible as a distinct bulge or kink towards the bottom of the trunk. The rootstock performs an essential role, restricting how fast the tree grows and its ultimate size. Rootstocks can also help to improve a tree’s disease resistance.