The Grounded Orchardist

Since the beginning of my fruit growing career I have always enjoyed meeting others who, like me, want to become better growers or are just interested in a different way of life. I never thought about this as my career until I was made redundant. Up until then it was a job I loved. When I got the job in this orchard however, I realised what I had been doing for years was a career. Perhaps I was a tad slow off the mark but hey.

People really do like to stop and chat orchards and fruit from all walks of life. It’s the sort of job you meet so many people…if they can find you amongst the trees! It’s fascinating to hear what people do with the fruit they buy. Or just the stories behind the humble little fruits whether it was a variety the person grew up with or that humble, unassuming fruit, landing near a physicist and changing the worlds way of thinking…Although I’ll be honest, I’ve never met Sir Isaac Newton!

Between both orchards I’ve met people with one tree in their garden, small orchards (Five trees or more apparently make an orchard) and Farmers with huge orchards.

Then there’s the lovely customers who came to buy fruit from us. Making a living from locally grown fruit. Chutney, Fruit leather and Jam makers, Distillers, Juicers and Cideries, Chefs and Michelin starred Chefs.

Nurseries, Grocery stores, Farmers markets and Farm shops all with a view to sell locally grown produce.

Experts, hobbyists (also experts!) and beginners all fascinated by the vast subject but all starting from the same idea and gradually watching that idea evolve into a slightly different outcome.

Community orchard groups, what a great initiative. They’re all around the country with more and more springing up. Search online for your local group. https://www.theorchardproject.org.uk/ is also a great charity with lots of information on Community orcharding and they may have a community orchard near you.

Journalists, Bloggers and Social networkers all with a different spin on what they want to achieve.

In the orchard I manage at the moment I also meet people from all around the world. We have a lot of varieties from all around the world so it feels like it completes the story. It’s amazing learning from them which varieties grow well where. Or the pests and diseases we don’t have to deal with (I’m fascinated by agronomy and biodiversity). Although, it’s admittedly difficult to give them advice when you don’t really know the climate.

All these people make it very interesting, I have learned so much from our conversations. It can get a bit daunting but I’m OK with not knowing everything…after all, who does?