Orchard Notes
@orchardnotes.com
Darren Turpin (@darrenturpin.bsky.social)
#Orchard enthusiast & amateur pomologist
Based in Manchester, UK
Pro Gardener / Horticulturist @ National Trust Quarry Bank
#orchardist, #allotmenteer and fruit grower
Website: https://orchardnotes.com
#Orchard enthusiast & amateur pomologist
Based in Manchester, UK
Pro Gardener / Horticulturist @ National Trust Quarry Bank
#orchardist, #allotmenteer and fruit grower
Website: https://orchardnotes.com
Pinned
Orchard Notes
@orchardnotes.com
· Jan 19
Orchard Notes - Fruit Tree Care, Management, History and More
Orchard Notes by Darren Turpin, orchardist and horticulturist based in Manchester, UK. Exploring and investigating modern orchard management methods as well as orchard history, tradition and culture.
orchardnotes.com
Orchard Notes Resources Info-Dump...
Main website: orchardnotes.com
#Pomolibrary book list: bit.ly/on-books
Full pomology bibliography: bit.ly/on-bibli
Historical fruit recipes archive: bit.ly/on-recip
My amateur research projects: bit.ly/on-respr
Norfolk Biffins & 'Beefing' apples: bit.ly/on-biffi
Main website: orchardnotes.com
#Pomolibrary book list: bit.ly/on-books
Full pomology bibliography: bit.ly/on-bibli
Historical fruit recipes archive: bit.ly/on-recip
My amateur research projects: bit.ly/on-respr
Norfolk Biffins & 'Beefing' apples: bit.ly/on-biffi
Reposted by Orchard Notes
On Jan 1st, an email arrived with results of DNA tests carried out on samples we submitted last summer. It was exciting to see 'No match found' which means we can name this tree which we grew from a pip. We chose "Cherry Melville" due to the size & shape of the fruit, & after my late father.
#fruit
#fruit
January 8, 2026 at 11:50 AM
On Jan 1st, an email arrived with results of DNA tests carried out on samples we submitted last summer. It was exciting to see 'No match found' which means we can name this tree which we grew from a pip. We chose "Cherry Melville" due to the size & shape of the fruit, & after my late father.
#fruit
#fruit
Reposted by Orchard Notes
The Australian Narrow orchard systems for future climates project webpage has been updated with two new videos: www.hin.com.au/current-init...
Narrow orchard systems - Apples
Description
www.hin.com.au
January 7, 2026 at 8:17 AM
The Australian Narrow orchard systems for future climates project webpage has been updated with two new videos: www.hin.com.au/current-init...
Reposted by Orchard Notes
'tis #Wassail season. These are the remaining ones in our area:
Wycliffe (Shipley), 17 January, 10am
Otley Chevin Orchard, 10 January, 2pm
Heaton Community Orchard, 17 January, 3pm
East Riddlesden Hall, 18 January, 1:30pm
Meanwood Farm, 22 January, 6pm
Burley Park (Leeds), 25 January, time tbc
Wycliffe (Shipley), 17 January, 10am
Otley Chevin Orchard, 10 January, 2pm
Heaton Community Orchard, 17 January, 3pm
East Riddlesden Hall, 18 January, 1:30pm
Meanwood Farm, 22 January, 6pm
Burley Park (Leeds), 25 January, time tbc
January 7, 2026 at 8:24 AM
'tis #Wassail season. These are the remaining ones in our area:
Wycliffe (Shipley), 17 January, 10am
Otley Chevin Orchard, 10 January, 2pm
Heaton Community Orchard, 17 January, 3pm
East Riddlesden Hall, 18 January, 1:30pm
Meanwood Farm, 22 January, 6pm
Burley Park (Leeds), 25 January, time tbc
Wycliffe (Shipley), 17 January, 10am
Otley Chevin Orchard, 10 January, 2pm
Heaton Community Orchard, 17 January, 3pm
East Riddlesden Hall, 18 January, 1:30pm
Meanwood Farm, 22 January, 6pm
Burley Park (Leeds), 25 January, time tbc
Reposted by Orchard Notes
The promise of a good harvest to come, approximately 8 weeks away. #cider #apples #orchard #NZCider #harvestdriven #notfromconcentrate
January 4, 2026 at 6:43 PM
The promise of a good harvest to come, approximately 8 weeks away. #cider #apples #orchard #NZCider #harvestdriven #notfromconcentrate
Reposted by Orchard Notes
Starting Thursday 8th we will be serving up our take on Wassail Hot Cider and to celebrate all Still Ciders are just £5.00 a Pint throughout January!
January 4, 2026 at 12:00 AM
Starting Thursday 8th we will be serving up our take on Wassail Hot Cider and to celebrate all Still Ciders are just £5.00 a Pint throughout January!
Reposted by Orchard Notes
One of the most delicious apples I tasted all year came off a tree growing feral off the side of the highway, between the railroad tracks and a car dealership. I’ll be heading back in a few weeks to cut some scion wood because these amazing apples deserve to continue on and be appreciated!
January 4, 2026 at 4:51 AM
One of the most delicious apples I tasted all year came off a tree growing feral off the side of the highway, between the railroad tracks and a car dealership. I’ll be heading back in a few weeks to cut some scion wood because these amazing apples deserve to continue on and be appreciated!
Reposted by Orchard Notes
Not aliens! These are aecia projections of European pear (Trellis) rust (gymnosporangium sabinae) fungi on the underside of the leaf of an ornamental pear!
Aeciospores produced in aecia on the underside of the pear leaf infect junipers to continue the life cycle of rust.
Aeciospores produced in aecia on the underside of the pear leaf infect junipers to continue the life cycle of rust.
January 3, 2026 at 3:04 PM
Not aliens! These are aecia projections of European pear (Trellis) rust (gymnosporangium sabinae) fungi on the underside of the leaf of an ornamental pear!
Aeciospores produced in aecia on the underside of the pear leaf infect junipers to continue the life cycle of rust.
Aeciospores produced in aecia on the underside of the pear leaf infect junipers to continue the life cycle of rust.
Nice to see the local birds have found the holiday treats I left out for them on our #allotment plot 😁
We've had kilos and kilos of 'Howgate Wonder' #apples this harvest. Only seemed right to share the stragglers with our feathered friends. Especially just as the forecasted freeze kicks in... 🥶
We've had kilos and kilos of 'Howgate Wonder' #apples this harvest. Only seemed right to share the stragglers with our feathered friends. Especially just as the forecasted freeze kicks in... 🥶
January 2, 2026 at 8:20 AM
Nice to see the local birds have found the holiday treats I left out for them on our #allotment plot 😁
We've had kilos and kilos of 'Howgate Wonder' #apples this harvest. Only seemed right to share the stragglers with our feathered friends. Especially just as the forecasted freeze kicks in... 🥶
We've had kilos and kilos of 'Howgate Wonder' #apples this harvest. Only seemed right to share the stragglers with our feathered friends. Especially just as the forecasted freeze kicks in... 🥶
Reposted by Orchard Notes
Channeling the winter Christmas theme here is a painting by Judith Yarrow, an English artist based in Cotswolds. Pruning the apples trees. #apples #painting #winter #Christmas
December 22, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Channeling the winter Christmas theme here is a painting by Judith Yarrow, an English artist based in Cotswolds. Pruning the apples trees. #apples #painting #winter #Christmas
Reposted by Orchard Notes
Still thinking about something a little different for Christmas? These fig tartlets, based on a 15th-century recipe, are so scrumptious, and my recipe for them is FREE to download during December. Would go so well with a sherry.
buymeacoffee.com/monksmmc/e/49366
buymeacoffee.com/monksmmc/e/49366
December 22, 2025 at 8:40 AM
Still thinking about something a little different for Christmas? These fig tartlets, based on a 15th-century recipe, are so scrumptious, and my recipe for them is FREE to download during December. Would go so well with a sherry.
buymeacoffee.com/monksmmc/e/49366
buymeacoffee.com/monksmmc/e/49366
Reposted by Orchard Notes
Has the Christmas Day food prep already begun at yours? It has in mine.
If you need some kitchen company have a listen to the 2022 Christmas special of the pod: Christmas Feasting with @dranniegray.bsky.social
Available on all podcast apps inc this one: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/c...
If you need some kitchen company have a listen to the 2022 Christmas special of the pod: Christmas Feasting with @dranniegray.bsky.social
Available on all podcast apps inc this one: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/c...
Christmas Feasting with Annie Gray
Podcast Episode · The British Food History Podcast · 14/12/2022 · 48m
podcasts.apple.com
December 22, 2025 at 10:42 AM
Has the Christmas Day food prep already begun at yours? It has in mine.
If you need some kitchen company have a listen to the 2022 Christmas special of the pod: Christmas Feasting with @dranniegray.bsky.social
Available on all podcast apps inc this one: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/c...
If you need some kitchen company have a listen to the 2022 Christmas special of the pod: Christmas Feasting with @dranniegray.bsky.social
Available on all podcast apps inc this one: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/c...
Reposted by Orchard Notes
Merry Christmas! You can find recipes, customs, rituals, games and information for the festive period at piespuddingsandpottages.com/festivals/ch...
#britishfood #foodhistory #recipes #christmas
#britishfood #foodhistory #recipes #christmas
December 22, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Merry Christmas! You can find recipes, customs, rituals, games and information for the festive period at piespuddingsandpottages.com/festivals/ch...
#britishfood #foodhistory #recipes #christmas
#britishfood #foodhistory #recipes #christmas
Reposted by Orchard Notes
Looking for something fruity to add to your seasonal menu?
May I present the Twelve Historical Fruit Recipes of Christmas, which might just give you a few ideas:
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/20/t...
May I present the Twelve Historical Fruit Recipes of Christmas, which might just give you a few ideas:
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/20/t...
December 21, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Looking for something fruity to add to your seasonal menu?
May I present the Twelve Historical Fruit Recipes of Christmas, which might just give you a few ideas:
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/20/t...
May I present the Twelve Historical Fruit Recipes of Christmas, which might just give you a few ideas:
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/20/t...
Looking for something fruity to add to your seasonal menu?
May I present the Twelve Historical Fruit Recipes of Christmas, which might just give you a few ideas:
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/20/t...
May I present the Twelve Historical Fruit Recipes of Christmas, which might just give you a few ideas:
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/20/t...
December 21, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Looking for something fruity to add to your seasonal menu?
May I present the Twelve Historical Fruit Recipes of Christmas, which might just give you a few ideas:
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/20/t...
May I present the Twelve Historical Fruit Recipes of Christmas, which might just give you a few ideas:
orchardnotes.com/2025/12/20/t...
Reposted by Orchard Notes
Seen any apples still on the trees? Long keeping apples are a fantastic alternative to flying in varieties from the other side of the world. Find out more about growing them in the UK: www.theorchardproject.org.uk/blog/a-johnn... #Apples
December 18, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Seen any apples still on the trees? Long keeping apples are a fantastic alternative to flying in varieties from the other side of the world. Find out more about growing them in the UK: www.theorchardproject.org.uk/blog/a-johnn... #Apples
Reposted by Orchard Notes
Today's apple review is the D'Arcy Spice -- and also features a story of TRAGEDY! AT THE APPLE DISCO. Please to enjoy.
Tragedy! At The Apple Disco, AKA Apple Review #39: D’Arcy Spice
A fun thing that sometimes happens is this: you eat a food, any kind of food, and then after eating that food, some manner of stomach bug — a bonafide gut goblin — besieges your gastroi…
terribleminds.com
December 17, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Today's apple review is the D'Arcy Spice -- and also features a story of TRAGEDY! AT THE APPLE DISCO. Please to enjoy.
Reposted by Orchard Notes
Supermarket fruit is so often a limited, expensive range, it makes sense to grow your own. I've been finding out more with 'Growing Fruit' by Chris Whitelock. (Ad. Book given. Not paid.)
A straightforward guide suitable for all.
Review: bit.ly/3YfFVsX
#UKGardening 🌱 📚 💙 #FruitGrowing #books
A straightforward guide suitable for all.
Review: bit.ly/3YfFVsX
#UKGardening 🌱 📚 💙 #FruitGrowing #books
December 17, 2025 at 7:26 AM
Supermarket fruit is so often a limited, expensive range, it makes sense to grow your own. I've been finding out more with 'Growing Fruit' by Chris Whitelock. (Ad. Book given. Not paid.)
A straightforward guide suitable for all.
Review: bit.ly/3YfFVsX
#UKGardening 🌱 📚 💙 #FruitGrowing #books
A straightforward guide suitable for all.
Review: bit.ly/3YfFVsX
#UKGardening 🌱 📚 💙 #FruitGrowing #books
Reposted by Orchard Notes
A special cider and beer blend with Balance Brewing🤝
We teamed up with @balancebrew.bsky.social in Manchester for a special collaboration blending cider & beer in barrel, something that evolved from conversations between Sam and Balance around mixed fermentations and sour beer.
1/3
We teamed up with @balancebrew.bsky.social in Manchester for a special collaboration blending cider & beer in barrel, something that evolved from conversations between Sam and Balance around mixed fermentations and sour beer.
1/3
December 16, 2025 at 12:45 PM
A special cider and beer blend with Balance Brewing🤝
We teamed up with @balancebrew.bsky.social in Manchester for a special collaboration blending cider & beer in barrel, something that evolved from conversations between Sam and Balance around mixed fermentations and sour beer.
1/3
We teamed up with @balancebrew.bsky.social in Manchester for a special collaboration blending cider & beer in barrel, something that evolved from conversations between Sam and Balance around mixed fermentations and sour beer.
1/3
Reposted by Orchard Notes
Orchards are full of winter #folklore and traditions that are great to share at this time of year. Find out more about some of Franki's favourites in our latest blog: www.theorchardproject.org.uk/blog/winter-...
#CommunityOrchards
#CommunityOrchards
December 16, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Orchards are full of winter #folklore and traditions that are great to share at this time of year. Find out more about some of Franki's favourites in our latest blog: www.theorchardproject.org.uk/blog/winter-...
#CommunityOrchards
#CommunityOrchards
Reposted by Orchard Notes
What a difference of 10 days of summer makes. These grafts are growing well after getting established. I bind electrical tape over the grafting tape as a splint to the graft as birds seem to like perching on the scion wood! Wobbles before the union becomes strong is not good #grafting #pear #orchard
December 15, 2025 at 6:39 PM
What a difference of 10 days of summer makes. These grafts are growing well after getting established. I bind electrical tape over the grafting tape as a splint to the graft as birds seem to like perching on the scion wood! Wobbles before the union becomes strong is not good #grafting #pear #orchard
Reposted by Orchard Notes
Time for part two of my fruit harvest highlights for 2025!
Starring 59 varieties of autumn #apples, plus #pears, #quinces, #meadlars and more: orchardnotes.com/2025/12/14/f...
It's been an incredible year for fruit here in the UK. How has the harvest been in your part of the world?
Starring 59 varieties of autumn #apples, plus #pears, #quinces, #meadlars and more: orchardnotes.com/2025/12/14/f...
It's been an incredible year for fruit here in the UK. How has the harvest been in your part of the world?
December 14, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Time for part two of my fruit harvest highlights for 2025!
Starring 59 varieties of autumn #apples, plus #pears, #quinces, #meadlars and more: orchardnotes.com/2025/12/14/f...
It's been an incredible year for fruit here in the UK. How has the harvest been in your part of the world?
Starring 59 varieties of autumn #apples, plus #pears, #quinces, #meadlars and more: orchardnotes.com/2025/12/14/f...
It's been an incredible year for fruit here in the UK. How has the harvest been in your part of the world?
Reposted by Orchard Notes
Soft-launched this apple-perry pear coferment this week, as part of our Hype Case mix. One third brutal perry pear, it’s astringent, and I love that. Great with some fatty soft cheese.
December 12, 2025 at 6:17 PM
Soft-launched this apple-perry pear coferment this week, as part of our Hype Case mix. One third brutal perry pear, it’s astringent, and I love that. Great with some fatty soft cheese.
Reposted by Orchard Notes
"The researchers had two main assumptions: that the organic orchards would have greater soil diversity..., and that organic soils would be closer to samples taken from unfarmed native soils...
On both counts, these assumptions proved to be wrong. "
www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2025/11/orga...
On both counts, these assumptions proved to be wrong. "
www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2025/11/orga...
Are organic apples better for the soil? Study challenges assumptions.
Researchers found only minor microbial differences between organic and conventional soils, suggesting that individual farming techniques, not labels, drive ecological outcomes.
www.anthropocenemagazine.org
December 1, 2025 at 8:08 PM
"The researchers had two main assumptions: that the organic orchards would have greater soil diversity..., and that organic soils would be closer to samples taken from unfarmed native soils...
On both counts, these assumptions proved to be wrong. "
www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2025/11/orga...
On both counts, these assumptions proved to be wrong. "
www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2025/11/orga...
Reposted by Orchard Notes
Fjordshore orchards: a spotlight on Norwegian cider.
He’s back. Adam (@adamhwells.bsky.social) visits the Hardangerfjord region to learn more about one of the world's most exciting cider cultures.
He’s back. Adam (@adamhwells.bsky.social) visits the Hardangerfjord region to learn more about one of the world's most exciting cider cultures.
Fjordshore orchards: a spotlight on Norwegian cider
Adam visits the Hardangerfjord region to learn more about one of the world’s most exciting cider cultures
cider-review.com
December 13, 2025 at 7:10 AM
Fjordshore orchards: a spotlight on Norwegian cider.
He’s back. Adam (@adamhwells.bsky.social) visits the Hardangerfjord region to learn more about one of the world's most exciting cider cultures.
He’s back. Adam (@adamhwells.bsky.social) visits the Hardangerfjord region to learn more about one of the world's most exciting cider cultures.