The first Apple Day event was held in Covent Garden in 1990, to raise awareness of the threats to UK orchards and the diversity of the fruits. Since the 1900’s, 80% of traditional orchards in England and Wales have been lost to housing and farmland (National Trust, 2022). Their sad loss affecting local culture, the landscape and wildlife. Traditional orchards and the blossom provide valuable early nectar sources for insects which are often foraging for scarce resources in the early spring.
Since the first Apple Day, an increasing number of events have been held, in all shapes and sizes, raising much needed awareness of British varieties, traditional orchards and the joys of growing fruit in gardens. One such wonder, is being held in the heart of the heart of Worcestershire at Frank P Matthews.
Established over a century ago, Frank P Matthews is a family run nursery. One of the largest tree nurseries in the UK, the company grows over 600,000 container grown and bare root, fruit and ornamental trees every year for supply into garden centres, nurseries, mail order companies and commercial growers.
Featuring over 300 apples and a range of pears and crab apples, the incredible Frank P Matthews Apple Display boasts an impressive range of varieties – from 100 year old heritage apples, right through to modern and future varieties from their breeding programme. Their Apple display was first on show at the Malvern Autumn Show, where it subsequently won their 5th gold medal. Currently on site at the nursery, in the Frank P Matthews Tree Shop, visitors can enjoy the display until Saturday the 26th of October.
The Orchard Network provides guidance as to Apple Day participating orchards and similarly the Garden Centre Association has a list of participating Garden Centres.