An Orchard Odyssey

There is a nostalgia about orchards; people love them but they very often have a sense that they are something that is gone, out of reach. Something they just can’t achieve.

But if you think about orchards in the right way, and extend the definition of what an orchard is – five trees less than 20m apart – to take into consideration the ways we live in the modern world, almost anyone can have an orchard of their own, or at least access to one.

It is a matter of re-jigging perceptions – from the patchwork of fruit in an allotment to a collection of trees in a small garden, orchards are not only possible: they already exist.

For me this book was a labour of love, a chance to share my passion and enthusiasm for tree fruit – in gardens, in formal and coincidental orchards, and scattered everywhere across the landscape, hidden in plain view. Through it, I hope to encourage a wider reconnection with fruit trees and inspire an appreciation and sense of ownership.

From my perspective, the whole landscape is an orchard. So, this book is not just the story of tree fruit, nor even just my own story and passion; it is a road map for the future of fruit – for the reader; filled with ideas and inspiration, it will encourage you to take your own first steps on an orchard journey of your own.
 
“Good books on orchards are very far and few between and it is a real pleasure to read this one. Very well written… full of detail, history, mystery and anecdotes… an exceptionally worthwhile addition to fruit lovers’ bookshelves and one which will be regularly reread.” – Gerry Edwards, Chair of the RHS Fruit Committee

“For over 30 years I have grown ornamentals with never a thought for planting fruit trees, until now. Naomi combines a dream of yore with a challenge for the future. Count me in.” – Roy Lancaster, broadcaster, plantsman, gardener and author