Rooted in History: New Apple Cordons Take Shape at Wentworth Castle Gardens 

This spring marked an exciting milestone at Wentworth Castle Gardens as a new collection of heritage apple trees was planted in the Outdoor Union Jack Garden, helping to preserve traditional fruit-growing techniques for future generations. 

The project was supported by Hilary Dodson, former Chair of the Northern Fruit Group, who joined the Wentworth Castle Gardens team to oversee the planting of the new apple cordons. 

The trees had spent around a year being carefully nurtured before planting. Although three of the original sixteen trees were sadly lost, the remaining trees were ready to take their place in the gardens. In preparation, the dedicated Tuesday volunteer team worked hard to remove turf, prepare the planting area and install the metal edging, creating the perfect conditions for the new orchard. 

Before planting day, the Rangers and Ranger Volunteers had already installed the supporting framework needed for the cordons. On 25 March, Hilary helped plant the trees at a traditional 45-degree angle, a technique developed in France during the eighteenth century and popularised in Britain during the Victorian era. Training fruit trees as cordons allows gardeners to produce an impressive harvest while making efficient use of space. 

The heritage Golden Delicious trees are already flourishing and produced beautiful blossom this spring. Following planting, the trees received a light prune and a generous layer of mulch to help them establish. 

The collection will soon become even more diverse, with Hilary kindly offering to graft two dessert apple varieties onto trees at either end of the row. She will also return during the winter months to carry out specialist pruning and continue supporting the development of the orchard. 

Although visitors won’t see a crop of apples this year, there is good reason. The young trees are being encouraged to focus their energy on developing strong, healthy root systems before they begin producing fruit, ensuring they thrive for many years to come. 

It is a wonderful example of traditional horticultural knowledge, volunteer dedication and partnership working coming together to safeguard the historic landscape at Wentworth Castle Gardens.