[londongardener]

I changed my mind and went for a Cox's Orange Pippin and an Egremont Russet - both bush sizes as our front garden is quite small and I don't want to put it in the back garden cos it will get bashed about by the kids.

Jaye

Cox's are meant to be difficult because of this there are lots of varieties fiesta, jupiter, jester, sunset, suntan etc which are cox like but do not have the same problems.

What rootstocks are you going to use ?

[Jaye]

The information on pollination was from Ashridge Trees, an online nursery.

Unfortunately my hubby reckons we don't have room for trees. I completely disagree but it would appear we won't be growing any apples

Jaye

[gobs]

If you not getting them, does not matter much, but however confusing their info is they do not recommend these two together, either.

[Jaye]

I'm new to all this, it's probable i misunderstood what I was reading

Jaye

[londongardener]

The information on pollination was from Ashridge Trees, an online nursery.

Unfortunately my hubby reckons we don't have room for trees. I completely disagree but it would appear we won't be growing any apples

Jaye

Even if you grow a small rootstock like M9 ?

http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_september_2_apple_m9.htm

[cawdor2001]

The information on pollination was from Ashridge Trees, an online nursery.

Unfortunately my hubby reckons we don't have room for trees. I completely disagree but it would appear we won't be growing any apples

Jaye

Even if you grow a small rootstock like M9 ?

http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_september_2_apple_m9.htm

I agree with londongardener the dwarf rootstock trees are quite small and you can always prune

Cawdor

[Selkie]

I don't know if someone has already suggested it but how about a couple of trees trained as an espalier, up a wall?

[Jaye]

Iwillhave to try again with a dwarf M9 at alater stage when he'snot so vehmently against it. An espalier is a good idea Rosemary - I discounted it on the basis i'm a beginner and that I might not handle training it.

Hubby's other objection (and any thoughts on this are appreciated) is that apple trees would attract a lot of wasps which was a bad thing when we have very young children.

Jaye

[gobs]

As I always say, grow them hard!

[Nikkithefoot]

that apple trees would attract a lot of wasps which was a bad thing when we have very young children.

I have two apple trees on M9 rootstock (discovery and golden delicious from memory), plus a cherry (morello)and plum (victoria)on St Julien rootstock (I think thats the one). My growing area is no bigger than 30ft by 30ft, which includes a greenhouse as well.

I only get a bit of a problem with wasps with the plum tree. You just need to be vigilante and pick up any fallen fruit to prevent the little beggars from being attracted.

On the plus side its great to teach the kids (I have three aged 12, 6 & 4) about the uses of bees in pollination, and not to be scared of them. We spent many hours last season looking closely at insects etc in the garden.

I think its a matter of working with the garden AND the children, its benefits IMHO far outweigh the problems (well most of the time) or perhaps I've just been lucky.

The other though for trees is the ballerina type that grow on a single stem. I know there will be many different opinions on this type of tree, personally I didn't think they were for me, but are supposed to be good in limited space or in pots. I'm sure I will be corrected if I'm wrong.

Whatever you decide good luck.

Nikki

[Jaye]

Hubby was pretty immovable....hoping I can do something eventually though. Wr"when the kids are a lot older ie 10 years or so in the future"

[Selkie]

Espalier trained ones are very easy to look after, I had one in our garden in England; oh Jaye I hope your hubby changes his mind...

[getur]

Nikkithefoot wrote:

I have two apple trees on M9 rootstock (discovery and golden delicious from memory)

They are the two varieties I'm after, but I cant find them anywhere on M9. Can you remember where you got yours from? also I'm planning on growing them as cordon. What were they pruned for when you got them?