APPLES, pears and plums with evocative names such as ‘Dog’s Snout’, ‘Striped Beefing’, ‘Warwickshire Drooper’ and ‘Ribston Pippin’ conjure up images of gnarly orchard trees, walled gardens and the rich bounty of autumn harvests. They come in a mouth-watering array of flavours, with apples that taste like pineapple or strawberry, gages that are as sweet as honey and deliciously fragrant pears. The apple ‘Nonpareil’ is believed to date back to the 17th century, but it was during the Victorian period that the number of fruit varieties boomed, with gardeners cultivating hundreds of new apples in particular.
Not available in the supermarket
You won’t find these traditional varieties on supermarket shelves, though. Intensive, large-scale fruit growing over the last half century or so has meant that commercial growers have opted for varieties that are heavy croppers, with fruit that doesn’t bruise easily when transported and lasts well when stored. Unfortunately, taste tends to come low down on the list of requirements and what we end up with as consumers is a very limited choice.
Heritage varieties were selected for their ability to grow in particular climates, with some that were suited to the cooler, wetter conditions of Scotland and the north of England, and those that thrived in drier, warmer southern counties.
Grow these plants yourself
Denne historien er fra December 11, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra December 11, 2021-utgaven av Amateur Gardening.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
To dig or not to dig?
Should we be carrying out a full dig on plots now? Bob considers the pros and cons of the 'autumn dig' debate
The box ball blues
As if his beleaguered box hadn't already taken a beating, Toby now has to deal with some hungry box caterpillars
Save your own seeds
Masterclass on: seed saving
Strange sightings
Three unusual insects turn up in Val's garden in one day
A bolt from the blue!
Cornflowers are perfect for garden and vase
Winter moth prevention
Ruth shows you how to avoid maggoty tree fruits
Create a winter container
There are as many options as in summer
Lightweight gardening tools
AS well as being good for our mental health, gardening is also great exercise.
Autumn price round-up
AG finds better bargains in lesser-known brands
Rudbeckias
Rudbeckias are ideal for sunny summer patios and borders, with some able to survive our coldest winters