Today my challenge was considerably more physical than of late and particularly exciting as I got to use a hand saw that was slightly larger than me.
I was to start the 'mammoth' task of pruning the apples trees in our not un-significant orchard ( there are hundreds of trees.. I am yet to count them { that could be one of my daily tasks} .. but one could fairly assume there are hundreds)
Pruning is key at various times during the year in order to maximize fruit production and to produce a balance in the shoots that are produced year by year. It also invigorates growth and develops a strong tree framework and the supports the fruit production and allows optimal sunlight to reach all the branches.
 | PRUNE A FOUR YEAR OLD TREE Prune from December to February. Pruning is the similar to the three-year old tree - the pink coloured parts of the tree show growth in the previous year, this should not be pruned unless it is diseased. The black coloured side shoots should all be pruned by a third. Always prune to just above an outward facing bud. |
Armed with an arsenal of tools, I got to work and eventually got into the swing of things, sawing and chopping down branches to my hearts content. I felt very adventurous poised in a number of very precarious positions up the trees with my saw in hand. Needless to say, the trees look the same but we do have an ever expanding bonfire pile growing behind the pig pen. And I am a little sun kissed.
And in other news:
1. ANOTHER porcupine has been quick to take up residence at the inn. Our valiant hero and protector (Mac) made sure he 'introduced' himself to our new friend.. which the Porky promptly reciprocated with a fistful of quills to the leg... Mac is currently in a ball on the sofa after the almost surgical procedure we call now call 'quill-hell' and [for various reasons] Mac has been re-named the 'Hell-Raiser'
2. Overnight, Angus mysteriously turned into a Polar Bear Cub.
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