Fruit trees that can be grown on South Vancouver Island
Apples to Oranges and Everything In-Between
We all admire when the cherry blossoms, blooms on the dogwood, and all the other fruit and ornamentals trees start to appear, which give a show every spring, just in time to bring us out of the winter phase. Bees start buzzing around them, birds perch on the branches, singing to themselves, or to each other.
There is something rewarding about digging a large hole, filled with nutrient rich soil and planting a tree. It’s a commitment, taking on a responsibility of a living thing. It will need proper care in placement, regular watering and food, pruning and patience to let it reach its full growth. Not a fruit tree but I have memories when I was 13 years old of my parents purchasing their first home and planting a willow, the same height as me, to mark the event. They lived in that house for 40 years, that tree provided great shade, structure and family photos. Dad pruned it every year to maintain its shape. It was well loved and cared for.
If you would like to learn about the availability and growing requirements for fruit trees April’s speakers Bob and Verna Duncan have over 50 years’ experience and are the owners of Fruit Trees and More Nursery on Vancouver Island near Sidney.
They operate a specialty plant nursery and demonstration orchard with a large selection of citrus and subtropical. Their presentation will be on the cultural requirements to successfully grow a broad range of Temperate fruit trees, such as apple, apricot, cherry, medlar, mulberry, nectarine, peach, pear, plums and quince and Mediterranean fruit trees on South Vancouver Island. Their website www.fruittreesandmore.com has many Youtube videos to show the success of growing the fruit trees and more.
If you are a SGC member or new to Sooke, join the Sooke Garden Club on Wednesday, April 23rd at 7:00 pm at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. If you would like to become a member, you can join here or sign up at the April meeting.
Mark your calendars! The Sooke Garden Club will be presenting their annual plant sale on Saturday, May 10th from 10am- 2 pm at the Evergreen Centre, by the roundabout. Many veggie starters, perennials, shrubs, house plants and more.