An apple a day

I spent a considerable amount of time yesterday on a mission to find the right kind of apple tree. At the nursery I ended up at they could provide me with 72 different varieties of apple tree....except, being particularly specific (or being 'typically difficult', as my mother would put it) I only want a Cheshire variety – or preferably four different Cheshire varieties to be precise. These are for my little project – our new wildlife garden which is going to be just as you turn onto the marina site, next to the Caravan Club CL. Did you know there are currently 33 known varieties of Cheshire apples? I was astounded when I read the list – there's everything from the 'Arthur Barnes' to a 'Withington Welter'. Not all the varieties are still available and not many places seem to have them but I've got my heart set on keeping it 'Cheshire'.....in fact even as I'm writing this, the nursery have just called to say they can get me 4 varieties – Elton Beauty, Mere de Menage, Millicent Barnes and Rival – how exciting and despite the fact that everyone in the office is looking at me like I've gone mad I might have to just go and do a little dance round the office.... :)