Many years ago when I was a small boy the early TV gardening program on BBC was called Gardeners World and Percy Thrower had the whole viewing audience amazed as he was able for the first time to show people gardening ideas from his lifetime's experience. Almost another universe from today's slick shows but it brought a world of wonder and exotica to the average person.
John Wayne in one of his many westerns shared his cowboy's love for canned peaches which he intended to satisfy when he got off the trail, a love which I have shared for more than half a century now. When Percy Thrower planted a peach tree against a sheltered brick wall I was enthralled to think we could actually grow them in this country. The variety he healed into the soft loam was 'Peach Peregrine', quite the best variety available he assured us and the fireworks exploded in my mind, another variety of Peregrine! What could be better?
A few years ago I happened upon the framework for a large Poly-tunnel and with the help of some visiting Belgian and Greek falconers collecting a tiercel we erected it unexpectedly on the spur of the moment to the south side of the barn in a sheltered position. It became an amazing addition to our life and in the first autumn the local garden centre had some bare rooted fruit trees on offer, low and behold there was Peach Peregrine!
To say that it has thrived would in no way describe the immense joy it brings. From the early flowers in February, protected in the sheltered environment of our poly-tunnel we hand pollinate with the aid of a peregrine's primary, what else? Through until late July and August when the fruit ripen it has been a constant source for optimism. Last month we held an evening BBQ for local falconers and friends, what better opportunity to use some of the abundant fruit. Jenny cooked them and in a bowl of cinnamon juice, with added cream and ice cream what could be better for a group of Longwingers, peach Peregrine desert!
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