Summer is with us and that means it is time to look to the pruning of the stone fruit as well as whatever summer pruning is needed by the apple trees in Marlborough Community Orchard (MCO). That plus any t.l.c required such as weeding and stake adjustment, that sort of thing.

It is for those reasons that Transition Marlborough and MCO invite you to two events.

The first will take place on Saturday 19 July at the Diamond Jubilee Plantation on The Common between St John's Close and Free’s Avenue.  https://maps.app.goo.gl/ngSWhkJsDw4Uw7gG8

The second will take place on July 26 starting at Wye House Garden https://maps.app.goo.gl/gw9S6L8qcGPTXzjG6 before proceeding to St Mary’s churchyard, Waitrose Car Park, where the espalier apples will need their summer prune, then Priory Gardens and St Peter’s.

Both events will start at 0930 and we hope to finish by around 1230.You can join for as long as you are able, all help is much appreciated whether you can operate a pair of secateurs or a trowel. If you are unable to attend at the start you are most welcome to call Philippa on 07963313822 or Gerald on 07771937183 to find out where we are.

No experience is necessary as we will have a professional gardener with us who can help those who wish to learn how to prune, especially that which is required in summer and why. If you have them, can you please bring secateurs, loppers and/or long handled pruners. A trowel or small fork as well as a kneeler would be useful for weeding around the base of the trees.