Sun vs shade

Many years ago we lived in a house with an enormous apricot tree in the garden. It provided spectacular shade to some of the bedrooms but also bore the most delicious fruit. We enjoyed them fresh from the tree, gave lots away and made jam too. There was also a cherry tree, ignored by the birds – we were able to pick masses of them and used them in clafoutis and jam as well as just having a bowl on the table. Ever the optimist I thought we’d have the same here so ordered a number of trees… greengage and plum as well as apricot and cherry. We’ve managed a few cherries each year but the others have been a disaster, all bearing tiny plum-like fruits with soggy centres. So this week, with the impending greenhouse delivery, one of these sad trees has had a serious haircut. Inedible fruits aside, we needed to do this before the glass goes in and we need to be sure the thing won’t be in total shade. Do we ache? You bet! We’ll be calling for help from some of our young friends when it arrives! 😉