Photo: Fiona and the Canopy Communities team planting my new pear tree in Granton.
There’s a really positive project happening around Edinburgh just now that I thought would be worth sharing with fellow gardeners and allotment holders.
Edinburgh has an ambitious goal of becoming a “Million Tree City.” The idea is simple: plant more trees across the city so that everyone – no matter where they live – has access to greener streets, more wildlife, and a healthier environment.
As part of this wider push for a greener city, I recently had a pear tree planted in my garden with help from Fiona and the Canopy Communities team.
I’m really pleased about this. Fruit trees are fantastic for wildlife, and if all goes well it should provide a few pears in years to come. It also feels good to be part of something that’s helping make the local area greener for the future.
It will be nice to watch the tree grow over the coming years — and hopefully enjoy a few pears along the way.
Pear – Pyrus communis – Beurre Hardy
- Info: Tender, juicy and sweet with a hint of rosewater
- Type: Dessert
- Cropping Season: Mid
- Storage: 1 month
- Pollinating Group 4/Root stock Quince A
Want to get involved?
Here are a few ways you can take part:
• Suggest a location – perhaps there’s a grassy patch near your home that would benefit from a tree.
• Join a planting day – a great way to meet neighbours and learn something new.
• Become a “Canopy Custodian” – helping keep an eye on newly planted trees, watering them during dry spells and helping harvest fruit when the time comes.
Projects like this show how small local actions can contribute to something much bigger.
Let’s hope we see many more trees taking root across Edinburgh over the next few years.
For more information you can contact Canopy Communities Officer Fiona.Underhill@edinburgh.gov.uk
Canopy Communities is funded by the Future Woodlands Scotland Urban Forestry Grant.