Meadow Orchard

The transformation from unused field to today's horticultural paradise started with the planting of several apple trees in 2009. The mainly local, eating varieties such as Beauty of Bath, Lord Lambourne, Sunset, Orange Pippin have been added to over the years, with the orchard now also containing a number of crab apples, cherries and pears.

A strict annual regime of mowing and clearing along with the introduction of yellow rattle has helped reduce the dominant grasses and once rampant achillea, allowing other meadow species to take hold. Perennials expanding too fast in the flower beds may also find an experimental home here. A prime example is Veronicastrum virginicum 'Fascination', which has clumped up nicely while remaining considerably smaller than in the beds.