[Joaney]

Is it possible to get pears to grow well in Ireland I have clay soil. Apples and plums grow well for me now I want to try something else. I have heard about a conference pear being good. Any ideas on pears or other fruit. Thank you.

[Rach]

HI there!

I know a great pear tree which has very tasty pears falling off it in Autumn.
I reckon the tree is about 30 years old (not really sure though).
It's in a sheltered garden near the sea in Dublin and the soil is very free draining.

I don't know what type of tree it is, there's lots of plants around it but it is also beside a massive well rotted compost heap so I'm sure that helps.

I know of another massive pear tree beside Swords castle on the outside against the castle wall that has got so big it's hard to get at the pears anymore!

Best o' luck
Rach

[Sive]

My childhood garden in Dublin had wonderful pears, and they were all grown against the red-brick garden walls which faced west. The walls absorbed the heat of the sun and helped the pears to grow and ripen. I imagine the soil was clay. Isn't there a group called Seedsavers somewhere in Clare? They are saving native fruit trees as well as vegetables...I think. Maybe they could give you advice about a suitable variety for your area.
Good luck with your orchard!

[Sive]

Hi Joaney, i just checked out the name of that group. Have a look at their website: www.irishseedsavers.ie

[Joaney]

Thank you sive I just had a look at irish seedsavers site they have some unusual apples plus a conference pear it is out of stock at the moment but it sounds like it might work for me.