16th October:
Before
Oh joy, oh joy to be found when one rescues fruit trees from brambles and grasses. Nothing makes your heart sing more than the sight of those amazing-looking pears which had survived all the attempted strangling of brambles to produce the most wonderful golden fruit that of course you have to sample immediately. Anyone who knows anything must admit that fruit always tastes so much better straight from the tree and an allotment tree makes it so much sweeter. Try your produce as it comes. You will enjoy it so much more in the open air. Now I must confess, I did not plant this pear tree. Carol planted this when she first obtained her allotment, along with an apple, cherry and plum. It doesn’t stop me thinking of them as my babies though, I feel quite humble that its my job to take care of them now. To nurture their development, to encourage more fruit and keep them weed free. They are a reminder of now nature will always win out and that we will only ever be a part of a much bigger picture. That’s something to contemplate over your Earl Grey whilst you are daydreaming of a glorious harvest next year.
After
