Fruit Bush Pruning

The weather is getting slowly more spring like although it is rather a case of two steps forward, one step back.  We have had frosts, rain and strong winds but in between it has been dry so the soil has had a chance to dry out a bit and when the sun comes out, if you are somewhere sheltered, it can almost feel warm.  I have had temperatures in the low twenties in the polytunnel on sunny days and look at these gorgeous crocuses opening up to their full glory in the sunshine.

This week has mainly been about getting the fruit bushes ready - pruning, tying in and removing the couple of plants that have died.  March is the last month to do most fruit pruning as seen by the fact that buds are beginning to burst open on some plants.  I always find pruning hard to do as I fear I am removing branches that could provide us with fruit later in the year - but pruning is vital to ensure the plants gives its best harvests and as long as it is done right, the plants will thrive and harvests should be plentiful. 

Overall pruned fruit pushes don't make for very photogenic images so I thought I'd tempt you with what we will be seeing in a few short months (all being well):

Bountiful harvests of Tayberries:

Bottled fruit to see us through another winter:

Home grown fruit on one of the pavlovas I cook for guests who order first night supper.

Oh and hopefully we will be harvesting at least one fruit pretty soon - rhubarb!

How is your garden growing and do you grow fruit?  Have you got a favourite?  For more garden goodness head on over to the How Does Your Garden Grow linky at Fable and Folk.