My apple trees have arrived.

 

Very healthy looking trees they are too. Gladstone, Kidds orange and Winston all on m26 and about 4', good amount of root to them, some very thick leaders and the graft sites look good.  I've healed them in for the time being as I've not had time to dig where they are going.   

It's decision time - either I espalier them or form "U" cordons 

I ordered from a 'sort of' local place ( walcot nursery ) I figured I'd support the locals  and they also have a section dedicated to apples & pears from the region, the Gladstone was the closest apple I could find geographically.

I can fit the 3 across the garden in espalier but there would be no room for anything else until I'd cleared some more of the garden  If I was to successfully graft a few trees this year they would have to remain pot based.