This Pitmedden apples blog is inspired by a visit I made to the gardens in September 2021. It was my first visit and I fell in love with and was inspired by all of the gardens. As it was early autumn, of course the orchard and the apple arch drew much of my attention.
But then I have always loved orchards. From the sleepy promise of winter; to the beauty of spring blossom; through the excitement of pea sized fruits growing, often hiding from view under leaves during the summer months. Thence to the grand finale of harvest, whether that is eating a freshly picked apple straight from the tree or carefully placing unblemished fruit in store against the lean time of late winter and early spring.
Pitmedden Orchard
Although it is thought that there were apples growing at Pitmedden as early as 1603, the current orchard dates from the winter of 2014 / 2015. It was created on the site of a paddock and one side abuts the walled garden. This gives a support for trained fan fruit trees.
In the orchard there are over 170 fruit trees, including about 112 different apple varieties. Then there are plums, damsons, gages, a bullace, medlars and a morello cherry. Not only this, but you’ll also find rhubarb, red and black currants, raspberries, gooseberries and jostaberries (a cross between a blackcurrant and a gooseberry).
But the map and video below more easily show you the Pitmedden apples and other fruit in the orchard. Specifically, the varying ways in which the trees are grown to both maximise yield and to be decorative.
Although there is obviously plenty of space in the orchard here for growing many fruit trees, these training methods are very accessible ways for fruit trees to be grown in smaller gardens. Whilst growing the trees against a wall or fence is the usual technique, as a designer, I also like to use espalier or cordon grown trees as an internal division. It’s particularly appropriate for separating a vegetable area from the more ornamental part of the garden.
The Apple Arch
Set next to the herb garden (another work in progress) the apple arch showcases more Scottish heritage varieties among the fruit. Theres another medlar growing here too, but not on the arch. And when I say on the arch, that’s because these apples have been trained to grow up the arch framework and cover it.
A List of Pitmedden Apples
You’ll find these varieties amongst those growing in the Orchard or covering the Apple Arch. I’ve split them into culinary, dessert or dual purpose and given their origins after the list.
- Bloody Ploughman
- Bramleys Seedling
- Cornish Aromatic
- Egremont Russet
- Ellisons Orange
- Galloway Pippin
- Osin
- Peasgood Nonsuch
- White Melrose
- Worcester Pearmain
Culinary apples
Bramleys Seedling
Synonymous with ‘cooking apple’ for many people. First sold in 1862, the seeds were sown 50 years before. For the full story check out the blog link below
Peasgood’s Nonsuch
Also known as Peasgood Nonesuch, this is a traditional English cooking apple from the Victorian era. It was raised by Mrs Peasgood of Stamford, Lincolnshire in the mid-19th century and in Victorian times was considered a good eating apple as well.
The term “Nonsuch” is seen in several apple variety names and had a more favourable meaning in earlier times. If read as ‘none such’, then the meaning ‘unsurpassed’ becomes clear.
Dual purpose apples
It’s interesting to note that, although there are many Scottish varieties among the Pitmedden apples, the gardeners are challenging themselves by growing apples from the west coast and southern regions of the UK as well as those more obviously suited to Aberdeenshire.
Bloody Ploughman
This is a variety dating back to 1883, from Perthshire. The fruit is blood red in appearance with knobbly skin and stained pink flesh when it’s fully ripe.
Galloway Pippin
The Galloway area of south-west Scotland is notable for its mild wet climate with relatively low light levels. If you garden in a similar climate then this hardy and productive apple is definitely worth growing.
White Melrose
Recorded in Scotland in 1831, but is thought to be much older, probably grown prior to the 1600s by the monks of Melrose. It is often sold as a culinary apple. A sport of the Melrose which has darker flesh.
Dessert apples
Cornish Aromatic
Dating back to 1813 this is a late harvested eating apple. Whilst the skin is rough, the flavour is quite rich with a hint of pineapple.
Egremont Russet
Easy to grow throughout the UK, this apple dates from 1872. It has a distinctive nutty flavour and is resistant to scab, mildew and canker.
Ellisons Orange
An early (1905) cross of Cox’s Orange Pippin with a slight aniseed flavour, although not noticeable when eaten straight from the tree. I’m not an aniseed lover, but I do like the complex flavour of Ellisons Orange apple.
Osin
Grown and recorded at Arbroath Castle in Scotland in 1815. However it may have been brought from France in the 1600s by the monks who lived there then. Alson known as Arbroath Pippin, it has an unusual, scented skin.
Pig’s snout
The ‘pig’s snout’ name refers to the flattened crown of the apple. Also called dogs snout apple.
After that there is confusion as Cornwall, Wales and Yorkshire all lay claim to originating this apple variety. It’s also referred to as a dessert, culinary and cider apple – so I think it should possibly be in the dual purpose section…
Worcester Pearmain
An early season English apple, originating from Worcester in the 1870s. The apple’s main claim to fame is its strawberry flavour, although the intensity of this is variable. Because it is an early variety, the flavour is very dependent on the weather during the short period that the apples ripen.
And finally
If you’d like help with designing your own Pitmedden apples orchard or mini orchard, or have queries regarding your existing planting, do get in touch to ask about our design and consultancy services.
For more garden visits, gardening advice and inspiration, check out Plews Potting Shed blogs, including the selection below and our monthly Tipsheet . The blog has been going for over 10 years, so there are plenty of gardening topics to ‘scratch your gardening itch’ You could come and find us on Instagram – @plewsgd Pinterest and Facebook too.
And on that note, you can have a peek at my new garden in the (new) Instagram account @spitfiresandslowworms and for those of you who prefer Facebook – Spitfires and Slow Worms
Or perhaps you would prefer gardening lessons in your own garden? Because where better to learn about what’s relevant to you as a gardener? Plews Gardening Courses and Lessons are bespoke to you and your garden and combine hands on confidence giving with necessary ‘why we do this’ reasons. There’s a pdf download link below with more info
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Orchards and Apple Trees
Apple trees
How to Choose Apple Varieties to Grow in Your Garden or Orchard
Beautiful Apple Blossom Trees for Your Garden
Bramley Apple – from chance find to nation’s favourite
Cordon Apple Trees – Garden Surprises when Pruning – Spitfires and Slow Worms
Orchards
How to have a Mini Orchard in Your Garden
Gardening Courses and Lessons
What might a Plews Gardening Lesson be Like?
Plews Gardening Lessons Information
