Sonairte’s heritage or old-fashioned fruit trees include apple, pear, quince, plum and damson. Heritage fruit trees have become increasingly popular due to their superior flavour and nutritional qualities. Other advantages are a longer picking season with early and late ripening. Genetic diversity insures against pests and diseases. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the range of fruit varieties was much wider than today. The term “heirloom” is used in other countries to mean the same thing. Our walled organic garden spanning an area of 1.8 acres dates from the 18th century. Today, many heritage societies exist to preserve these historic varieties to make a wide variety of fruit trees available again to the home gardener. Methods include renovating old orchards, sourcing historic fruit varieties and encouraging community participation. Our heritage trees are living history and something to be treasured.
Grapes grown in the shelter of the walled garden
Heritage Apples
Heritage Apple Tree Variety
Heritage Fruit Trees
Elderberry
Heritage Apples in Summer
Organic Heritage Apples