Fruitful endeavours

One fruit tree can support several cultivars, says Peter

- Peter

OUR house was built on a plot that was once a larger 1930s residence, from which we inherited a large ‘Comice’ pear and early cooking apple trees. Even at nearly 90 years of age, they still grow quite well and crop heavily.

What remarkable value they have proved to be, and clearly demonstrate why every home (even with modest space) should try to include a fruit tree or two, and some soft fruits. The chances are my two old-timers were grafted onto seedling rootstocks with much longer expected life spans.