[surbie100]

I'd like to put a couple of espalier apple trees on dwarf rootstock round my plot to help define it. (We're allowed fruit trees) I haven't tried many different apples before, having only got them from supermarkets/markets.

Does anyone know any orchards where you can taste different types?

I'd love to taste more unusual/heritage apples before buying trees, like Worcester Pearmain, or Chivers Delight. I've found Brogdale via Google, but any recommendations would be v welcome!

[sarajane]

If you google apple day events I,m sure in October you will find dates for 'Apple Days' in your area.

We have several up here in October where you can taste different varieties local to our area.

[surbie100]

Sorry, I should have added - anyone know orchards that are open outside of Apple Day. According with sod's law, I'm taking my Mum away that weekend in October....

[stompy]

Just be careful where you put them,
My plot neighbour put his on his North boundry and had to move them as they were casting a shadow over my plot, also even though they are on dwarfing root stocks they do get a good root system on most of them so these could encroach into your neighbours plot to!

[grendel]

I would say brogdale - they have the largest collection of different varieties of apple trees and will have plenty of experts on hand to give advice.
Grendel

[surbie100]

Thanks Grendel, I'll stick with Brogdale then - it will be a nice day trip out of London. 

Stompy - I talk to my neighbours before putting any bigger stuff in and they are fine with where I want them to go. I'm lucky with my plot neighbours, and the last thing I want to do is disrupt their growing.

[SG6]

Will agree with Brogdale, they only have about 2200 different varieties  and will graft on to any of the root stocks. 

So a reasonable choice. 

[allotmentann]

Went to pick up some rare apple trees from this man the other day. He is the most enthusiastic apple grower you could talk to. Had the most lovely tour of his garden. He has all sorts of rare apples including red fleshed varieties. The web site is not particularly the easiest to navigate or the clearest, but if you want to deal with someone smaller and actually talk to the person growing your tree, I would highly recommend getting in touch with him.

http://www.suttonelms.org.uk/apple80.html

[surbie100]

That's great Allotmentann - he looks a proper character! And having 2 orchards to get to is great! 

I love the website - I'll be clicking happily there for ages.