Tree Following April 2020 - Quincelets

By Ozhene @papaver

April is an exciting month in the world of quince tree-stalking tree following. Quince Major and Quince Minor are blossoming more than I have ever seen before.

Tree Following April 2020 -  Quincelets

Every single blossom is precious and whilst I do not count every single one of them, I do spend an inordinate amount of time walking around the trees admiring them.

Tree Following April 2020 -  Quincelets

To see so much blossom brings joy to my heart. I pruned Quince Major in the Autumn and it seems to have focussed its mind.

Tree Following April 2020 -  Quincelets

Quince Minor has had several strong talkings to and has now reached the age where he is taking his responsibilities seriously. No more tree-teen tantrums will be tolerated.

Tree Following April 2020 -  Quincelets

When admiring the blossoms I am of course focussing on whether I think there is a quincelet forming behind it. I am looking for that little bit of plumpness that might imply a bee has visited and done what a bee does best.

I think there are definite quincelets appearing. This makes me very happy and also anxious in equal amount. We had a frost this week and we are threatened more frost this coming weekend. I fear the frost might lead to quincelet-death, a quincacide. Frost might just get medieval on the trees ass.... (I have gone too far haven't I?).

No matter how much I worry about this it will make no difference. Nature does what it will so I shall not waste my time in worry. There are far more important things to be concerned about.

On the plus side: last month I was worried that the trees looked a little pale.

They are pale no longer, they have developed their leaf colour nicely. Phew.

More trees being stalked followed can be found here under the stewardship of Squirrelbasket.