The Lemon Grove
The lemon grove was set up in the 1960s, the land being cleared by the members of the family,
using a donkey to help with transport. A wall was built to terrace the grove, the trees being planted in the valley floor.
Originally 150 "rough" lemon trees were planted.
In the mid 1980s a vineyard next to the stream was replanted with 150 of the the "interdonata" variety of lemon tree which produces beautiful seedless fruits. The rootstock for these trees is "bitter orange".
Sadly, recent winters have been harsh and some trees have been destroyed by ice,
while others, especially the younger trees with a less hardy rootstock, have been
severely damaged causing die back and growth below the graft.
This has resulted in production of "bitter" (sour) oranges.
Work at the lemon grove is to clear round the trees each year to prevent brambles and
vines taking hold, and to remove unwanted growth from the trees.