If any of the following places are local to you , you ’ ll find plenty of beautiful inspiration for # BlossomWatch :
SISSINGHURST ORCHARD © Andrew Butler
Kent
• Sissinghurst – large orchards of apple , pear and cherry blossom .
• Chartwell – orchard of British apple blossom varieties including the Winston apple , named after Sir Winston Churchill .
• Ightham Mote – heritage apple tree blossom in the orchard , and cherry blossom on the eastern terrace of the garden .
• Emmetts – around 50 cherry trees reveal displays of pink blossom , underplanted with a colourful mix of tulips .
• Scotney Castle – early cherry blossom frames the view to the castle ruins . Apple , pear , quince , plum and crab apple blossom in the Walled Garden .
• Smallhythe - orchard with over 30 varieties of apple , pear , plum , and medlar tree blossom .
East Sussex
• Bateman ’ s - plum , pear and apple blossom in the orchard and ornamental cherry , amelanchier and crab apple blossom in the Wild Garden . Blackthorn , hawthorn and spindle tree blossom on the wider estate .
Bring Blossom to Your Garden with the National Trust
CHARTWELL - APPLE ORCHARD © Chris Jonas
For those inspired by # BlossomWatch to plant a blossom tree of their own , the National Trust has also compiled a list of top five blossom trees suitable for home gardens , recommended by senior and head gardeners at gardens in its care , including Jamie Leslie at Ightham Mote , and Len Bernamont at Bateman ’ s , East Sussex
According to Emma McNamara , National Trust gardens and parks consultant for the South East and Northern Ireland ; ‘ Blossom is fleeting but so beautiful that you ’ ll find planting your own tree hugely rewarding . A blossom tree gives you two seasonal delights : bright , blowsy , or delicate flowers in the spring , and later , home-grown fruits . Most fruit trees are easy to maintain ; you may need to take action against some pests and diseases , but these trees are resilient and long-lived . Bees will be delighted by the flowers and will help to pollinate , leading to autumn fruit .’
IGHTHAM MOTE - APPLE BLOSSOM IN THE ORCHARD © Richard Burton
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