Gift a Tree

How will you contact me after I’ve paid for my tree?

Once we’ve received confirmation of your payment you will receive an email via the email address given at payment. You will also receive your tree number and any other information that is necessary at this stage.

How will you contact the recipient if I’ve rented the tree as a gift?

You will be asked for the recipient's contact details at the payment stage. We will then use this to keep in touch with the recipient via the newsletters and to let them know when the blossom walk, vineyard tour and picking will be.

How do I/they know which tree is mine?

Each individual tree and row has been allocated with a number that you will be given to let you know which tree is yours. This number will be on a small tag at the bottom of the tree. We will also show you where your tree is in the orchard when you arrive to pick your cherries or apricots.

Can I send a cheque as I don’t wish to pay online?

Yes, if you would prefer not to pay online please email us instead and we can arrange for an alternative payment method.

When will I/they receive the bottle of wine?

Wine can be collected when you come for the Blossom walk. Wine can be delivered but this would incur an additional charge.

How often can I pick my fruit when it’s ready? & How long do I get to come and pick my cherries/apricots?

You can come and pick your fruit on one occasion once when it’s ready. We issue an estimated ‘picking’ window 2 months before and a more accurate window 2 weeks in advance. You can expect cherries to be ripe and ready the first week of July and apricots around mid to late July. There will be 3 dates available for the cherries and another 3 for the apricots to choose from.

How many times a year are there cherries/apricots on ‘my’ tree?

Cherries and apricots are an annual crop and therefore your fruit will be ready to be picked from ‘your’ tree just once each year. The time of year will depend on whether they are apricots or cherries.

What happens if I don’t come to pick my fruit?

If you are unable to come and pick your fruit on the dates provided please let us know this beforehand if possible. We can then pick your tree for you* and you would have the option to come and collect your fruit at a convenient time. If your fruit is not picked on the dates provided we will pick it for you.

*We will only pick up to 15kg of fruit. This is the equivalent of 3 trays.

Can I come to the orchard at any time?

Unfortunately we cannot allow visits at any time as this invalidates our public liability insurance due to the obvious dangers associated with farm machinery running and not being aware that people are in the orchard. Therefore visits are limited to blossom time, vineyard tours and harvest time.

Can you pick and post the fruit if I live too far away?

Unfortunately not. Both cherries and apricots are stone-fruit which means they are too delicate to post. However, we do have the facilities to store you fruit so you would be able to come and collect your fruit, already picked, a short amount of time after harvest. Please let us know if this is what you would like to do.

Do we need a ladder to pick ‘our’ tree?

No. Due to health and safety we will pick fruit that is out of reach. This fruit will still be yours to take home if you wish.

How long will cherries keep for once they are picked?

You can keep freshly picked cherries (with their stalks still on) in the bottom of your fridge for at least two weeks, if not longer, as long as there are no bad ones in amongst them. You might also decide to make a cherry compote with them, delicious with yoghurt for breakfast!

How long will apricots keep for once they are picked?

Apricots will continue to ripen off the tree. Therefore, for those that are already very ripe you will want to eat these almost straight away, or keep in the fridge. Apricots can take a few days to ripen, be patient. Cooking apricots is delicious, they are amazing in cakes, bakes, made into jams and as a compote!

Can you freeze cherries/apricots?

Yes. Literally just put them into a carrier bag, stalks, stones, the lot, knot the bag and eat at your leisure through the winter months. Yes, really, you don’t need to de-stone them before freezing!

When will the blossom be?

Blossom walks will usually take place around the middle of April. We will notify actual dates 2 weeks in advance.

When will the vineyard tours be?

Vineyard tours will take place on the same days as the picking. They would happen throughout the day. Wine tasting will also be available for an additional fee.

When will the picking be?

You can expect your cherries to be ready to pick (most years) around the 1st week of July. Apricots are usually around mid-late July. FYI - we can estimate picking windows more accurately after blossom.

Can I bring family members/friends?

We want this to be a real family experience, bringing those you love out into nature. However, if you wish to attend with a party larger than 4 please can check with us in advance. This, again, is due to health & safety and managing everyones expectations and enjoyment.