Saturday was the day for the big pear tree lift. All week I’d been tracking the weather forecast and it didn’t look promising with frosts expected all week, but Saturday dawned dull and overcast and the light frost soon disappeared.

I’ve rather neglected plot 1 this year, being busy prepping plot 2 and the couch grass took full advantage; before I could even think about digging around the trees I first needed to find the soil. It took a few grueling hours to lift the trees. In the five years since their first move, they have made many fine roots and I’m hopeful this will make the transition to their final home a success.

The original plan was for me to meet Suzuki buyer man on Sunday morning for the trees to go in his van and journey to plot 3. Still half believing he wouldn’t turn up I sent a text along the lines “the trees are lifted, see you tomorrow” He promptly called, me answering thinking that’ll be the excuse why not but instead he wanted to do the shift Saturday afternoon. He and a mate got there about 3.30, roots bagged up and in the van. I was mildly concerned with the force used the close the door but carried on. They arrive, the doors open and I discover that Beth has suffered a traumatic pruning incident and her leading limb is half the length it was…

The lesson is not to trust roofers to load trees…

Beth and Merton Pride were heeled in as darkness fell.

In spite of the rain, I was back Sunday morning to finish the straining wires that would support the cordon structures. It’s not a cordon shape recognised by the RHS, more rebel cordon. The wires were also rebelling, the finished result more relaxed than is ideal.

This is Beth in her new location, fully secured and with a good dose of bonemeal and mycorrhizal fungi. I’m hoping to encourage another shoot to step into the leading role but at this stage I’ll be pleased with anything if she wakes up in Spring. Keep everything crossed.

Merton Pride is next up but will have to wait until this weekend. Whoever is still doing the rain dance can stop now please.