The first swallows of the season are flying over the Torridon grounds and the cuckoo is sounding off from the woodlands and moorlands. In the garden our fruit tree blossoms are in full bloom and the bumblebees are visiting them to gather pollen and nectar.
We have planted crab apples in a new orchard area. The variety we have chosen is named after Harry Baker, a fruit expert for the Royal Horticultural Society. His book The Fruit Garden Displayed is the perfect guide to growing fruit covering all aspects of the art. The crab apple trees produce large purple red fruits, purple to red flowers and colourful foliage in a glorious tribute to the great man himself.