Friday 3 September 2010

Apples


Green apples, poured full
of density, of crispness, float unmoved
under leaves on the slope. Brown
fallen apples nest
in secret whorls of grass. The apple tree:
alone in so much space. And below
in the woods by the water
a sweet dead branch
cracks lightly
in the shadow in the wind.

Taken from 'One With The Sun' by 'A. F. Moritz'



I have this marvelous apple tree. It may even be an Anglesey Apple Tree, which according to Gardeners Question Time is one of the four original apples and has a strong gene pool making it hardy and high yielding. This apple tree is full of fruit. I'm not sure how to tell when they are ready to pick.

The apple tree is weather damaged and has been neglected. It is suffering from storm damage where a limb was cruelly ripped from the trunk leaving the tree rotten and spongy in parts. I don't think there is anything that I can do to prevent the rot from spreading, but would very much like to assist this tree in which ever way I can.

Can anyone advise the best way to prune this beautiful tree or provide other tips to help this tree on the way to recovery? Can I take cuttings?

All advice is greatly appreciated x0x

*fairy/red star angel tag by Lynne Hoppe*

12 comments:

Everyday Goddess said...

first thing that comes to mind is Michael Pollan's movie The Botany of Desire. you can get it on netflix, it's amazing.

cuttings and grafting should work. i don't know how, but i'm guessing you can find out.

Ginga Squid said...

I love your apple fairy/angel photo! Still having sunny weather I see. :)

Valerianna said...

I don't know much about tree care, however, I have heard that a Native American balm for trees had something to do with packing the wounded area with mineral-rich clay. But I'm sure there are some arborists out there who would know a lot more about your tree.
Good luck, it looks happy right now, even with a wound.

Martine said...

only thing i know about apple trees is theyre beautiful and i love them.
XXXm

Barb said...

I think you can graft the apple onto another tree, but such a pity to lose the original. Can't help you much with that one although the Michael Pollan suggestion is a good one. As for telling if the apple is ripe, the way we used to do it was to take the apple and give it a gentle half twist. If it is ripe it should drop off in your hand.

Jacky said...

I wish you luck with your beautiful, old, apple tree...how lucky you are to have such a wonderful tree in your garden.
I adore the fairy tag in your tree...I am sure that will help too.

Jacky xox

Theresa MacNaughton said...

I wish I could offer you some sage advice, but I DO hope that you might be able to save this wondrous tree. Apples are so synonymous with fall. I cannot wait to use the fruit for some wonderful pies. Theresa

Tammie Lee said...

lovely photos and art floating in the tree. I hope you find a healing treatment!

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Jasmine,

Oh, How I have missed you too. I have spent the last 30 min. looking over all the posting I have missed.

OH, how wonderful that you have found a new home on a magical island. I am soooooooooooooo very happy for you and your daughter. I look forward to seeing many lovely photo of your magical island.

Your art is lovely as ever. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to help you heal your apple tree but I am sure you will find a way, it is very lucky to have you caring for it. Big Hug Judy

Harnett-Hargrove said...

Beautiful way to look up!

I don't know about pruning, but with the trees, I have I just open an a apple to keep checking if the seeds have turns dark. And then harvest. -J

Wanda..... said...

We have old apple and pear trees in the woods on our property. They must be over 50 years old and still produce. The pears trees have faired better than the apples.

Jasmine said...

Thank you all for your comments and suggestions.

Everyday Goddess - I will look up the Botany of Desire, thank you :)

Valerianna - That is an interesting suggestion I will look into it further, thank you.

Barb - Maybe it is possible to graft some of this apple onto a younger healthier tree? I will look into that, thanks :)