The green and rolling countryside of Worcestershire, England, is home to the cider apple orchards which surround the gardens of Pear Tree Cottage. They enjoy a sunny south westerly aspect with sweeping views across to Martley Hillside, Woodbury and Abberley clock tower. The Teme Valley lies just over the hill and, not far away, is the Herefordshire border. Although our climate is temperate, our seasons are often uncertain and always a challenge to a gardener! This began in 2010 & follows the weekly ups and downs of garden work chronicling both successes and failures but, above all, demonstrates the fun enjoyed by three people who regularly garden in all weathers

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26 July 2015

Invisible Pruning?

Pruned or not?
Pruned or not?

It's a tricky situation when a perfect specimen of a Prunus Serrula grows so big it begins to obscure a fabulous view.  It has the most fabulous bark.  It looks strikingly elegant in winter with the sun reflecting on the polished nut brown bark and shining brightly through the papery whisps.  BUT from where we sit on the terrace, beyond it is a wonderful view of Woodbury Hill. We couldn't even contemplate losing the tree so; how best to prune it with out seeing any evidence? Because of the prevailing wind, its a little one sided so we decided to tread very carefully, try to even it up and carefully thin its canopy - thus reducing  its spread. Our idea was: put simply to have the best of both worlds! To be able to enjoy the view by looking though its boughs and beneath its canopy.  Well - can you spot the difference? (Apologies for the fact that none of the photos are taken from the best angle.)


A lighter & airier tree?


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