One area of gardening that still intimidates me is pruning. Especially when it comes to fruit trees. Two years ago I bought a dwarf apple tree and have been afraid to touch it. So far it hasn’t matured enough to produce fruit. Last year I saw one blossom, but that didn’t stick around long enough to make an apple. We had a weird, dry summer, so that wasn’t a surprise. This coming summer, I really want to see some action with this little tree. I think some judicious pruning, might help it along. That is why I got this book yesterday.
I had some fantasies about training the tree into a fancy, espaliered form, but I think I will just stick with a basic tree. Besides, a fancy, formal tree wouldn’t really fit in with my shabby, chic Brooklyn backyard. I say that mostly because I’m intimidated. One day you will see a post from me where I am attempting one.
So, hopefully this book will help me not only with my apple tree, but also with my berry bushes as well. I hope to see some currants and gooseberries this year!
Oh! Oh! Oh! I think I have the book for you!
What book is that?!?
“How to prune fruit trees” by Robert Sanford Martin. It’s a slim pamphlet of a book with great 1930s illustrations. Recommended by all the local tree dudes.
I can pick it up for you, if you’d like.
Yes please!