Apple Day at Houghton Lodge Gardens

Houghton Lodge Gardens near Stockbridge will be hosting another celebration of their heritage apples on Sunday 30th September, with a bushel of activities the whole family will enjoy. 

‘Heritage Apples’ are varieties not available across today's supermarkets and shops. They were in abundance around 80 years ago when apple orchards were on every corner and in most gardens, but sadly with the lack of manpower after both world wars, new farming techniques and more profitable uses of the land, the orchards were lost.  

Join Mr. Chris Bird, M.Hort (RHS) of Sparsholt College when he returns with some of his colleagues and former students for a day of historic apple wisdom! There will be plenty of opportunity to 'ask the experts' on fruit tree growing, cultivating and pruning along with the chance to view and taste the many varieties.

Honesty at Houghton Lodge Gardens will be open for light lunches – and yes, Heritage Apple Cake will be on the menu along with other treats on the day and fresh bread for sale. 

Visitors may also like to visit Houghton Lodge Gardens to see over 32 varieties of apple trees, as well as pear, plum, fig and kiwi trees in the kitchen garden and the great espalier pear tree with a span of over fifty feet – possibly the longest in the country. This day will be catering for all and not only will there be story telling for the little ones but children can also take part in the 'Apple Trail' around the gardens to see who has stolen the golden apple!

For the full programme visit www.houghtonlodge.co.uk 

This event is ticketed and prices are Adults £6.50, children over 3 £3.00, under 3's free and can be purchased on the day.