Apple blossom time

Press, 11 October 1979, Page 11

Apple blossom time

, Loburn orchards are j nearing their peak of the ’ apple-blossom time. The orchardists expect that the | blossom will be at its best 1 from this week-end through to the next week* ; end, depending on the I weather. Pears with their ' bigger and more scented flowers are already in full blossom. Blossom time makes a popular week-end outing ; for many city people who drive through the area. Canterbury's biggest orch- ) ard district, to see the ( mass of blossom covering ' acres and acres of orchI ards. Unfortunately, the more ! attractive delicate shades

of pinks and reds of the peach and nectarine blossoms are mostly over. The red blossom grows on the freestone trees, and the pink denotes the semifreestone. The plums have ended their flowering. Many visitors going through the Lobum fruitgrowing district from Rangiora end their drive at the turn-off to the Ashley Gorge, but the orchard district extends past this point for about another three kilometres, the district ending at a big red shed on the right band side of the road. Some orchards are off the main road, too, a case in point being that several

are located along Fletchers Road leading towards the Ashley River on the left from the main Rangiora approach to Loburn. The extensive splash of the white pip-fruit blossom can be seen from the road, but many of the orchardists would be happy to allow a closer inspection. Anyone wishing to do this should enquire from the owner first.

For the last three years blossom time has been marked also by the holding of the Loburn Blossom Fun Run, which is expected to be held this season on October 28. Runs of about Bkm and 12 km are arranged.