The plant shop will hopefully open in the Spring

There is nothing like a pear picked from your own tree, the delicate aroma and buttery rich taste, so versatile a fruit, I can’t understand why they are not grown more widely. It is always best to grow 2 pears that flower at the same time to ensure pollination

I grow “Beurre Hardy” and “Conference” as espaliers close together as they are pollination mid group. I also know that my neighbour has a Conference Pear to increase the chances of pollination and they have all produced an extraordinary crop this year, the best ever.

The Beaurre Hardy have now been harvested, some will be eaten with rocket, blue cheese and walnuts while the rest will be preserved with spices to enjoy over the winter months. The Conference has yet to ripen but I plan to experiment with a number of recipes including the pear vodka as featured in the latest RHS magazine!