Gardeners know how disappointing it is when frost or too much rain ruins a season’s flowers and fruit. On a Welsh farm Prince William visited last Thursday, farmers have found that a small change in how they grow their apple trees can make a big difference.
Prince William visited Wales to see how communities and farmers are adapting to extreme weather. He began his visit in Skenfrith, a small village in south-east Wales where residents have lived through four major floods in six years. During last winter’s Storm Claudia, the river running through the village burst its banks, leaving water waist-high and forcing residents to be rescued by boat.
He then headed to Great Tre-Rhew Farm, where he saw how planting trees and changing the landscape can help slow water flow.
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HELLO! reports that farmers Jim and Kate Beavan told the Prince of Wales they had replanted their apple trees on a north-facing slope. The trees flowered later as a result, which meant they missed the last frost and produced better fruit.
Choosing the right spot matters. The National Institute of Agricultural Botany says orchard siting can reduce the risk of spring frost and notes that apples can grow on north-facing slopes, while the RHS warns that late frost can damage fruit blossom and recommends sunny, sheltered spots away from areas where cold air gathers.
The farm works with environmental charity Stump Up For Trees, which aims to plant one million native trees across South Wales, including the Bannau Brycheiniog.
William also discussed his enjoyment of cider, which is made on the farm. Stump Up For Trees director Jenny Knight said he joked, “one pint a day keeps the doctor away”. The prince then added that he’d stick to only one pint of their homemade Great Tre-Rhew cider because “it’s 8%!”
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The visit also gave William a chance to get his hands dirty. He rolled up his sleeves, helped volunteers collect field maple seeds for the charity and even planted a young Welsh oak.
The hole was already dug, which the Prince quickly pointed out. “Here’s one I made earlier,” he joked, in the manner of a TV gardener. Once the sapling was in the ground, he said: “Hopefully that will be nice and tall. It’s in a good spot; it has lots of space.”
That’s something worth considering in your own garden. Before planting a tree, check its eventual height and spread (as well as its sun-facing spot in the garden), then make sure there’s enough room for it to grow without crowding your house, paths or other plants.