[Grubbypaws]

I have a completely organic garden and was looking for an apple tree (cooker) that would be happy without being sprayed. I have an old Bramley which is so diseased with canker that it is no longer productive and is soon to be cut down. However I love having cooking apples and was looking for a variety that does not need spraying.

After some searching I found www.bernwodefruittrees.co.uk. I contacted them and they came up with some suggestions.

Last week on the way back from holiday I called in to pick up a tree called winter greening; what a treat   

Their aim is to conserve old English varieties and they seem to have hundreds, all grown organically. We  entered the small barn and laid out on benches were apples of all shapes, sizes and colours. We were able to taste the fruit of the Winter greening and it was delicious.

I cannot recommend this tiny nursery more highly. It is near Bicester. My only warning is follow their directions to get there not sat nav as it will get you totally lost.

[AnneB]

Thanks Grubbypaws, a very interesting site. 

[Lardman]

Looks interesting Grubbypaws.

If you're getting rid of the Bramley have you looked at top working the tree rather than digging it out?  Im sure there will be plenty of scion wood come pruning time.

[greenhead]

Have grubbed out an old cooker/eater with canker disease and intent to replace with 'Arthur Turner' on M26.

Mike.

[Lardman]

I've been looking at turning more garden into a fruit area but I'm torn about a culinary apple. I have a pot based Aldi  james grieves but I was looking at more local varieties and came across "Newland Sack"  I just don't know if a cooker warrants the space 

[Norfolkgrey]

I've been looking at turning more garden into a fruit area but I'm torn about a culinary apple. I have a pot based Aldi  james grieves but I was looking at more local varieties and came across "Newland Sack"  I just don't know if a cooker warrants the space 

A couple of sites suggest this variety will sweeten and can be eaten as a dessert apple. Are there any apple days near you or orchards where one might exist and you can obtain/ buy a few apples?

[greenhead]

Arthur Turner is an old Herefordshire cooker apple, can be eaten if left on a little longer.  Monty Don swears by it

Mike.

[Gardener and Rabbit]

Arthur Turner is an old Herefordshire cooker apple, can be eaten if left on a little longer.  Monty Don swears by it

Mike.

We've just finished eating our Arthur Turners and it's a lovely apple, so can recommend it too.

G&R