I must have known somewhere at the back of my mind that the RHS had sold off one of their two halls in London, and because of this, I have to admit to being a tad underwhelmed with their latest show in Victoria. Having marvelled at the size of the competition leeks, and gazed at perfectly formed raspberries, there were only a few stalls left to visit.
One of these was the wonderful Sea Spring Seeds, who did offer a marvellous display of Chillis with seeds to match, and I did buy a couple of garlic cloves from the Garlic Farm stall, so all was not lost. But I’d have been a bit miffed if I’d travelled for hours to arrive at this lightly populated show.
However, there was an apple tasting stand, packed full of apples from RHS Wisley, and this was the unexpected gem of the show for me. With the help of a very friendly RHS gardening team, I tasted a few of the most delicious apples I’ve ever come across.
Lord Lambourne, a variety dating back to 1907, had it all. Crispish texture, but with the sweetest of flavours and a beautiful warm russet-red, fading-into-yellow colouring, and a wonderfully fresh aroma (plus it’s a good storer). I brought a few varieties of apples back for a client to taste, and we’re now planning on planting a few Lord Lambourne apple trees as cordons, which will look very decorative in her front garden. This variety, although never seen in the supermarkets, was easy to buy and I’ve plumped for an M26 semi-dwarfing rootstock which should keep the cordon small-ish, but have enough vigour to produce plenty of fruit.
Another supremely sweet apple was ‘Sharon’. However, this is predominantly an American cultivar, so not readily available in the UK. I did discuss with Rebecca Bevan (Fruit manager at RHS Wisley) the possibility of grafting a ‘Sharon’ from RHS stocks, and also started discussing the possibility of apple tree grafting courses at the RHS and creating ‘family’ trees with more than one variety on the same tree. Could I graft a Lord Lambourne, a Sharon,
and a Limelight (another favourite) onto the same tree? Intriguing, and something I’ll have to explore further.
I’m also wondering how a Lord Lambourne would fair trained as a Quincunx and where in the garden could I grow it!
So despite my initial disappointment, the show was an eye opener for me in terms of apples, but I’ll be more vigilant from now on as to the listings of the shows. Next week is the RHS London Shades of Autumn Show, with a big caption under the first image warning that it’ll be held in only one hall. However, offering 20 specialist nurseries this time round, I’ll be tempted once again to make the journey to Victoria.
Out of my shed 
Shame it wasn’t the show you were hoping it’d be, but very pleased to read of your apple report. Very useful, as always looking to plant some more!
Hi Petra, Yes, would highly recommend Lord Lambourbne. I see you have the Brogdale Aplle Festival on your events page. Will you be apple tasting yourself this weekend? Probably should get out more, but feeling slightly obsessed with apple varieties at the moment. Feel a letter to Waitrose coming on!
It seems a shame that this show isn’t better supported. It would probably be better if it was towards the end of the week rather than the beginning. I’m hoping to go to Wisley tomorrow for a tasting.
Hi Victoria, the Taste of Autumn Show (today and tomorrow) does look good. Hope you have a great day.
I hope you are successful grafting and post about it. It seems so simple, but I was a total failure the two times I tried it. I’ve actually seen a tree at the University of New Hampshire research farm that had several varieties grafted onto it.
Hi Judy, I don’t think they’ll be a course until spring now, but would love to go on one ( and will certainly blog about it). Have seen images of ‘family’ trees covered in loads of different varieties, but have yet to meet one in real life!
Possibly holding it during the week is a bit of a problem. I would love to go to one of them to see what they’re like but during the week is awkward. Seaspring were at the Abergavenny Food Festival with their amazing chillis. They’ve inspired me to give some a go next year.
Loving the celebration of apples though. Went to a supper club last night based around apples which was brilliant.
I had heard the problem with family fruit trees was that there would always be one variety that was more dominant and would eventually take over. Not sure how true this is.
Hi WW, since I wrote the post, a friend also mentioned about certain varieties could be dominant on family trees. Never have seen one, I couldn’t say. But will try and find out a bit more about these and add to post.
I grew a ‘Super Chilli’ from Sea Spring Seeds this year. All 8 seeds germinated wonderfully in a heated propagator, but then I struggled to keep them alive when I turned off the heat (I think somewhat prematurely having spoken to Joy at SSS). However, my one survivor did very well (in my kitchen by the window) and should keep me in chillis for cooking over winter. Such a treat to be able to pick your own as you cook. SSS also supply plug plants and this may be the way for me to grow chillis next year. Rather taken by the mixed coloured fruit of the Nu Mex Chilli above.
It’s been some time since I have visited a RHS Show in London – sad to read that the two halls are down to one. That apple display looks most impressive. What a great opportunity to be able to taste as well as look. Hoping to plant several apples this autumn – off to research ‘Lord Lambourne’ forthwith.
Hi Anna, I think the RHS may be able to use sold off hall during school holidays (as a school bought the hall), but they are only using one hall next week during half term.
But yes, it was a great apple tasting opportunity. Let me know what you think of Lord Lambourne. V.best Naomi
Your semi-dwarfing Lord Lambourne apple tree sounds like a really splendid idea: I’ve always fancied growing a cordon of really yummy English apples. Where did you find it, please?
Hi Diana, Found the apple cordons at Blackmoor Nursery V.best Naomi
I’ve been away so am only just catching up with my favourite blogs. Your apple tasting is enormously helpful and I might well find a space for an apple tree or two.
Hi Sue, Felt really inspired by Lord Lambourne. My latest plan is to buy a year old maiden and try growing a trained form following a coiled metal forma in a pot. find it very exciting to see what fruit will grow in small spaces and have found that Blackmoor Nursery is great for advising what cultivars etc. would be good for growing this way.