In December 2020 the first of The Neighbouring Orchard trees was planted out. We now have over 100 trees linking neighbourhoods in Portobello, Musselburgh and Craigmillar. They are planted in front gardens, shared tenement greens, community gardens, doctors surgeries and nurseries.
To begin with, the growers began to form links with each other online, participating in drawing classes on Zoom and sharing gardening tips on Facebook. More recently we have come together in person, attending pruning workshops and art classes. It has been wonderful to get to know the growers and to find out how they’ve been getting on. We have enjoyed blossom and unfurling leaves, and a few growers even picked their first apple. The first apple cake was baked — the first of many I hope.
We are now ready to begin the second phase of The Neighbouring Orchard. Another 50 trees will be handed out in January 2022. If you live in Portobello, Craigmillar or Musselburgh and are interested in growing an apple tree please get in touch by emailing appletrees@artwalkporty.co.uk