Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Plum and Pear

This month I bought Plum and Pear Trees from trademe. Below is their descriptions by their sellers.
Pear-  Belle du Jumet
A hardy deciduous tree that will eventually reach 5 metres, the pear produces green to golden brown fruits from February (early) through until May (late.) They prefer a warm, sunny, sheltered position to set fruit successfully. Most varieties need to be cross-pollinated, which means planting more than one variety, where space is available it is best to go for a double-grafted pear (two varieties on the same plant.)

Pear trees prefer rich fertile soils (built up with peat and compost) that are free-draining, especially in winter months. They are hardy once established but require protection from severe frosts, which can damage the early blossoms. It also requires adequate moisture through the summer period. They are very versatile, in that they can be trained to bush, pyramid shape trees or they can be espaliered, cordon or fan-trained.

Pears are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, dietary fibre, Niacin and are a good source of Potassium, as well as being low in saturated fat, cholestrol and sodium; The perfect snack!!

Belle du Jumet is a late (April-May)self-fertile variety. It produces a pale gold skin fruit with white flesh that is sweet and extremely juicy.

Current plant height approx 2 - 2.5m

Eventual growth height 4m+ - can be pruned to maintain smaller size auspicious

The picture shown is an example only of the fruit this tree can produce


  PLUM - Italian (Prune plum)
Plums are divided into three main groups: P. domestica - European varieties (cooler growing conditions), P. salicinia - Japanese varieties (vigorous and tolerate warmer conditions), cherry plums and less common the damson plum.
A hardy, vigorous growing deciduous tree to 5 metres +, plums prefer a good winter chilling. They prefer fertile loamy soils rich in lime and potash. They will take heavy soils that are free-draining, situated in a sunny position sheltered from winds and frost pockets. They also respond to a balance fertiliser in early summer and periodic root pruning to control growth. Most plums require pollinators to set fruit.

Plums are a great low calorie snack; they are great source of Vitamin A and C, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Potassium and fibre. They are also high in Lutein which helps improve your vision. Plums have a number of uses, best eaten fresh, they can be preserved, stewed, dried, used in jams, chutneys and sauces or desserts.

Italian is large dark purple fruit with greenish yellow flesh which turns dark wine colour when cooked.Ideal for fresh eating,cooking and drying.Self fertile.

Current plant height approx 2m

Eventual growth height 3.5m

The picture shown is an example only of the fruit this tree can produce

The above infor is from Trade me website for the tree listings.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

More Plants and Shredded Bark

Shredded Bark
I have bought some red Shredded bark. This can be spread over an area it can help conserve soil moisture by stopping the water from evaporating. It also acts as an insulator to keep roots warm in winter and cool in summer. Shredded red cedar and redwood bark interlocks, which helps it, stay in place on paths, slopes and in windy applications. Shredded bark can be used to eliminate weeds particularly when it is used in conjunction with a landscaping fabric.

Camellia and Magnolia
I have also bought some new plants, flowering plants and Fruits trees. I have bought some camellia – two small trees and two big trees, colours are, white, red, pink and whitish pick. I have also bought a Magnolia Tree and this will be the entrance attraction for the property.



Plum and Pears
The fruit trees that I have bought are plum and pear. I will high light the variety and more details about this fruit tree in the next blog.

 
My compound is very muggy and wet in winder and the clay soil is of no good for gardening. I am just waiting for the weather to clear up before I can start some gardening done. While waiting I am planning to make some planter box to make some raised gardens. In order to do this, I have bought 6 large plastic barrels used ones, and I will cut them up to half’s and use them as raised beds for the fruit trees



I am also planning to trim the bush on the picture above top right trees. I have got some major outdoor work to do this coming spring and so looking forward for it.  

Cheers
krishan

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Feijoa and Griselinia

In August 2012 I have planted two new plants – Feijoa and Griselinia. I have planted 3 trees of Feijoa and two plants of Griselinia. Below are some details about these two plants and some pictures.
Feijoa

Varieties:
A wide range of types are available: Some varieties are self fertile, but will produce heavier and more regular crops if pollinated by one or more varieties. Plant at least two varieties to ensure cross pollination and good fruiting.
Apollo and unique are both self fertile varieties. Feijoa sellowiana is a common variety that is not self fertile
Feijoa

When, where and how to plant:
Plant trees in a sunny position in free draining soil. Feijoa's make a fantastic hedge that will tolerate wind and even coastal conditions. Feijoas can be planted in containers or singularly in orchards. Feijoa's will tolerate frost and cold temperatures. Trees will mature to 2m to 3m in height and approx 1.5-2m wide.
Growing Guide:
Feijoas are easy to grow. Prune Feijoas to form an open tree which will allow bird pollination, wind movement and sunlight for fruit ripening. Water well during long dry periods and when the fruit is developing. Fruit ripens in late summer through the autumn. Apply general fertilizer once a year in spring and mulch trees in dry areas.
Read More:


Feijoa

Griselinia

Maori name: Kapuka / Papauma
Common name: Broadleaf f
Botanical name: Griselinia littoralis

What does it look like?
Griselinia grows to a medium sized tree of 10 metres or more, and is usually recognised by the short, gnarled trunk with rough furrowed bark. It often grows as a many-stemmed shrub, rather than from a single trunk. It's leathery, bright green leaves are more or less oval and wavy in appearance. The tiny green and yellow flowers are a good source of pollen for bees in the spring. In the autumn, the female trees have small, purple-black fruit. Read More...

Griselinia



Griselinia