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+--- Thread: The Lost Orchard by Raymond Blanc (/showthread.php?tid=835)
The Lost Orchard by Raymond Blanc - PyreneesPlot - 25-01-2021
This is part autobiography (a very small part) and part history of historical orchard trees as he discusses the 2500 trees he has planted in his new orchard at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Great Milton, Oxfordshire. The book was of interest to me partly because I used to be a cook and have eaten at Le Manoir, and partly because I used to live in the area. He discusses the merits of the fruit for eating and cooking and how easy they are to grow. The trees are mostly historic British trees, with some French varieties that have special meaning to Raymond Blanc and his childhood.
Most of the book is taken up with a history of the specific varieties planted and unless you're a real apple tree buff (and it is mostly apples) it can be quite heavy going, but still fascinating for all that!
The book also made me realise that my garden has loads more space for carefully trained trees, so I'll be looking to plant some of the very local varities we have down here in Bigorre.