Bare root fruit trees from Blackmoor Nurseries

If you’re thinking of putting in a fruit tree, now’s the time to be doing something about it. Blackmoor Nurseries in Hampshire have an excellent, easy-to-navigate website offering about seventy varieties of apple, as well as stone fruit, cob trees and soft fruit.

The apple section is particularly helpful, with each variety listed with its pollination group, history and notes on taste.

Although not organic, Blackmoor say they use natural predators and keep spraying to a minimum. There’s lots of information and plenty of photos of cultivars, with detailed advice on planting and caring for your purchases.

I bought a Bramley from them a couple of years ago. They were very patient with my questions and the tree arrived promptly, looking very healthy. I’m glad to say that it’s still healthy despite suffering flooded roots in some very heavy rain last year, and this year was allowed its first harvest of three big apples.

You can’t beat Bramleys in a crumble.

Comments

[Philip Voice]

Thank you for writing about Blackmoor Helen - always brings a lump to my throat.

I grew up a mile from Blackmoor apple shop (it used to be called Blackmoor apple station) and I went to school just 700 yards away.

I started my working life as an assistant greenkeeper on Blackmoor golf club (built by the then Lord Selborne who owns Blackmoor Estate) - the 8th fairway overlooks the apple nurseries where new stock is grafted and grown-on.

I see they have just celebrated forty years of apple tasting.

All the kids from the council estates (before Whitehill expanded) used to amble up on tasting day and scoff loads of apples.

Blackmoor was also a big employer of school leavers - sadly, then, it was seen as one of those jobs that kids did when they didn't have 'real' prospects (a bit like gardening used to be considered) - changed now and my nephew John works on the estate.

....I could go on but I don't wish to bore you or your readers:)

[Helen Gazeley]

Not boring at all, Phil. Blackmoor has a fascinating history explained on site and youve just added to it! Hope your nephew is enjoying himself - green fingers obviously run in the family.

Best wishes

Helen