Fruit Trees and Nest

PLUM - Italian (Prune plum)  and Pear-  Belle du Jumet has been planted in the ground, I used plastic barrels – cut them into half’s, removed the base to allow roots to go into the ground eventually. I have planted.

Together with this is my apple - grafted dwarf apple.

I was planning to trim a bushy corner at my place to allow more sunlight to come through – half way trimming the branches – I found a lovely Black Myna bird nesting along with 3 lovely baby birds. I decided to let them grow and fly away before trimming it any further

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.

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

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

Fruits Tress In Detail


Fruit Doubles

Peach Bonanza (top) and Peach Rose Chiffon (bottom).

Multi budded fruit trees give a couple of fruit selections from the space of a single tree.


Peach



Fig Brunoro black –

 Dark purple to black skin with red flesh. Small to medium shaped fruit. No pollination required. Crops twice. First Crop Dec – Jan, Second crop April to May. 4 to  5 meters tall.

Fig

Nectarine “Garden delight”–

Dwarf Nectarine. Large, Freestone red blushed fruit, which is sweet, delicious and juicy. Beautiful pink blossoms cover the tree in spring. Self fertile.

Nectarine

Apricot Garden Annie –

 Dwarfing – Medium to Large Fruit with bright yellow skin and firm, juicy flesh. Grows to 2 to 3 meters. Self fertile.

Apricot

Lemon Meyer-

The ever popular lemon, with many  uses in home. Sweetly fragrant white flowers. Medium sized  juicy fruits, Plant in deeply orked, free draining moisture retentive soil. Water well when planting. Apply citrus fertilizer spring, summer and early autumn. Popular in containers on potio. 1.5m.

Lemon

Tangelo Dweet –

medium /large fruit, good flavour. Peels cleanly , very  juicy , consistant fruiter, moderate grower with good shape tree.



Tangelo



Apple Splender –

 Late season. Cross between red Dougherty and golden Delcious. Large , pinky red apples with crisp, breaking, white flash. Apple is sweet and with very good flavour

Apple

All the above plants were planted in July 2012

Cheers
Krishan

Fruits Tress Planted

Fruits Tress Planted

I have bought Peach, Apricot, Nectarine, Lemon, Fig, Tangelo and Apple trees. These are some of the many other fruits trees that grabbed my attention at the Plant Barn, I bought these trees from Tidal Road, In Mangere.

After buying these trees – I had to buy some big containers and compost and potting mix to aid in the planting. I spoke to a lot of friends and these are some of the advice I got.

Sue suggested that I buy dwarf trees and plant them in containers and its easy to move them around specially if you re-locate.

Bill suggested that Fig trees grow quite big – but by putting it in a container keeps it manageable, and fruits quite well.

Ioana wondered how will I water these plants and suggested about setting up a irrigation that would make it easier to maintain these plants.

I am on a mission to trial things out and let’s see how it goes.

Below is the picture of some of the trees. I will be posting more details about the fruits trees that I have planted this winter, information on the variety of the fruit and seasons it will fruit.



Fruit Trees in Containers



Cheers

Krishan

Gardening As a Hobby !!

Gardening As a Hobby !!

Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree. From childhood I always loved to see plants grow, it was like magical to see such things happen. As time passed by it was understood as hard work and determination to get the most out of your Gardening. People think if you plant things – they would like to get the outcome as soon as possible. Plant a rose to see rose’s blooming the next spring. Plant Coriander and expect to use it in your cooking’s in few months. If you plant a fruit tree – the question is when will this tree mature and start fruiting? This year I have taken a step forward to try out planting fruit trees and will update the blog step be step to see the progress of these trees in the years to come. Will also include other gardening tips and experience that I come across. Appreciate any comments or feedbacks on how to improve my gardening skills.

In 2012 – I have decided to explore growing fruit trees. My house is not in a big land and neither am I in a country side to have the advantage of big land area to try out growing these trees. Due to this – I have to try out dwarf trees, trees in pots and some in the ground. This is like a project and a learning curve to see what grows well in the different environments and locations. When buying fruits trees I had to keep in mind about pollination so that I do achieve some fruits at the end.

In my Next blog – I will be introducing the fruit trees that I have planted this winter !!

This is the picture of my compond.



My Residence at Mangere, Auckland, NZ- July 2012



Cheers

Krishan