Did you know that apples are a member of the rose family and are related to such plants as peaches, plums, pears and cherries?

An apple tree takes approximately four years to bear fruit - a long wait between planting and eating!

The most important time of the year comes during spring when pollination occurs. Apple trees grow numerous blossoms in clusters of five. The largest blossom in the cluster is known as the king blossom, and the opening of this blossom is a sign for the bees to commence pollination.

Pruning is important even in the summer months, as the shape of the tree is vital in determining the size, quality and condition of a crop.

Apples start to grow quickly towards the latter half of summer, from the size of your fingernail to an apple which fits in the palm of your hand.

Autumn is the most exciting time in Batlow as apples are ready to pick. The growers and their pickers harvest the apples then send them to the Batlow Fruit Co-operative to start the next stage of their life cycle; sorting and packing.