Quince, Medlar, Peach, Nectarine, Apricot, Fig, Grapevines, Currants, Rasberries, Gooseberries etc. 2 - Rare and Heritage Varieties Grown and Supplied by Bernwode Fruit Trees



	AMSDEN JUNE An American peach, raised in 1868 by L.C.Amsden, from Carthage in Missouri. For a long time this was the earliest peach, which in England fruits in mid-July, if grown outdoors. The fruit is round, medium-sized, with a deep suture and skin of greenish-white, flushed dark crimson. The stone is oval, slightly large and clings to the flesh until the fruit is completely ripe. A very attractive fruit with green-white, melting, sweet, juicy, delicious flesh. Deep rose pink blossom.

CLAYDON HOUSE An old peach, growing on a wall at the 18th century Claydon House, at Middle Claydon, Buckinghamshire. Cuttings were brought to us several years ago by the then Head Gardener. It has taken a while to establish a new tree and have it fruit well, but we can now judge that it is different from those peaches still known in Britain. The fruit has quite a deep eye and a deep suture line, with pale skin, blushed pink and red over most of the fruit, is clingstone and has juicy, rich, sweet and slightly acid flesh. It is ripe in early September and seems a good grower and bearer. So few really old peaches now survive in England, it is good to have found one more.

DUKE OF YORK An early peach, recommended by Bunyard for forcing. May be ready late July, outdoors. Introduced by Rivers’ nursery in 1902, a cross between Early Rivers nectarine and the peach Alexander. Pale lemon yellow skin, flushed crimson, and pale creamy lemon flesh which is very juicy and sweet.

HALE’S EARLY Raised 1850 from seed planted in Ohio USA, and introduced by Hale, of Summit County. Medium-sized fruit, with pale lemon skin, flushed crimson. Pale lemon flesh which is very juicy and tasty. The stone is small and oval and parts freely from the flesh. Ripe late July/early August. Deep pink blossom.

NECTARINE - EARLY RIVERS This one was bred in 1893 by Thomas Rivers. It is self fertile but flowers early when pollinating insects are few, so it appreciates assistance from hand pollination. Early Rivers produces fruit as early as July. The large yellow nectarines are flushed red, with sweet juicy flesh and an excellent flavour.

NECTARINE - LORD NAPIER Another of Thomas Rivers’ progeny, raised from the seed of an Early Albert peach. Large, ovate fruit, with green-yellow skin which ripens to pale cream, with a deep red blush on the side exposed to the sun. The flesh is very white and juicy, with a rich flavour. It is ‘Freestone’, meaning that the stone does not cling to the flesh (clingstone). Early fruiting; ripe in early August. Like other nectarines and peaches, it appreciates a warm wall.

FIG BLACK ISCHIA Introduced to Britain by Philip Miller in the 18th century, from Ischia, off the coast of Italy. Hardy enough to grow outside, and it also grows well in large pots, inside. Medium sized fruit, violet to black, with deep red flesh, which is very sweet and juicy. Hogg described it as ‘luscious’. Given to us by Nick Houston.

FIG OSBORNE’S PROLIFIC Introduced by Osborne, of the Fulham Nursery in 1879. Quite rounded fruit, with dark reddish brown skin fading to green at the neck. The flesh is transparent, very juicy and with an excellent flavour. It is very productive and responds well to root confinement in a large pot.

FIG VIOLETTE SEPOR Described by Bunyard and Thomas in ‘The Fruit Garden’ in 1904. Dark brown skin, light red flesh with a delicate flavour. Free bearing and good for pot culture.

FIG WHITE MARSEILLES A rare old variety, known in Britain for over two centuries. Named after the tendency of the skin to fade almost to white, when ripe. Juicy, transparent flesh, very richly flavoured. It does best in a warm situation. Given to us by Nick Houston.

We also have some interesting old figs, discovered in local old gardens, which have lost their names. These are available to visitors at the nursery.

Decorata
Desert King
Longstock
Studley