How do ya like them apples?

The pigs are feeling the benefit of the season of plenty with a glut of apples, some of which (very unusually) have come from out own trees rather than "borrowed" from other peoples trees. Today I picked a load for them .

This gave me the opportunity to check out the two new apple trees planted this year. The Spartan had on offer a delicious looking apple but looks are deceiving, the other side was severely damaged by pecks most likely from the peacocks. Still, the tree is thriving and next I'm expecting a bumper crop and as the peacocks are about to be rehomed miles away the fruit should survive until harvest. 

The Katy tree is doing fine as well. Its been planted in memory of a great friend called Paul Dockerty who died from cancer this April. Paul was a great human being and I miss him very much. He was also the man who created lots of cider for Thatchers and Katy was a particular favourite (and spartan but they stopped making it) so the plan is to have a go making some cider next year with the massive amount of apples I'm going to get from two small trees. 

Meanwhile tree vandals are being kept out of the garden. 

An ideal view to enjoy a pint. 

Or three