Please could someone advise on my planting a rememberance tree in Dorset.

andy.palmer1967

Good Morning,

My partner Maxine of 17 years, passed away from cancer Oct 2021, she was 61.

Her favourite place was Eype Caravan Park in Dorset, DT6 6AL. Her favourite fruit were cherries. I've been given permission to plant a tree in her memory. would a cherry tree thrive in this area? If I water it in, would it survive unattended? I only holiday there once or twice a year. Also, what would be the best variety of cherry tree to plant?

Thanks ever-so in advance.

Andy

AnniD

That is a lovely thought 
I can't see a problem with planting a cherry tree, they are pretty tough. My main concern would be the care of it, particularly with regards to watering. 
Depending on where it's located, would there be a way of making sure it isn't damaged, either accidentally or deliberately ? 
Another concern would be to make sure it's planted with the appropriate staking which needs to be adjusted as the tree grows. Does the caravan park have someone who takes care of the grounds and who is happy to keep an eye on it for you ?

This might give you some idea of the care involved, there are also some suggestions for varieties. 
https://www.rhs.org.uk/fruit/cherries/grow-your-own

Balgay.Hill

If you can't water it regularly until it is established, then i wouldn't give it much chance of surviving.
If you go ahead, i would plant the smallest specimen you can find.

andy.palmer1967

Good Morning AnniD,

Thanks for your reply. It'll  be on the grounds and the holidaying patrons there are generally very nice. I am thinking of putting a sturdy small protective fence around it. The type that protects it from grazing wildlife. Eype House do have a grounds person, a rather nice chap. If I ask him nicely, I am sure he will keep an eye on it. What is 'appropriate staking' ?

Kindest Regards

andy.palmer1967

Good morning Balgay Hill,

Thank-you for your reply.

That being the case, I may have to rethink what type of tree will be the best whereupon I can plant it and not have to worry too much once it's watered in.

Balgay.Hill

andy.palmer1967 said:

Good morning Balgay Hill,

Thank-you for your reply.

That being the case, I may have to rethink what type of tree will be the best whereupon I can plant it and not have to worry too much once it's watered in.

You say there is a nice grounds person. Maybe ask him to give it a bucket of water once a week for the first year, unless there was heavy rain. A wee donation of some beer money might help.

Topbird

First, please accept my condolences for your sad loss.

My personal thoughts are to think honestly about whether it will deeply upset you if this tree doesn't survive. If you know it will upset you I would think again and consider something which doesn't need as much looking after - perhaps a water feature or garden ornament type of thing if there's an ornamental garden area.

If you can accept that the tree may fail then I would go ahead. Most caravan parks have wardens or site managers. Perhaps they would agree to give the tree a watering can full of water once a week for the first year.

If it survives the first year it should be fine.

Joyce Goldenlily

andy.palmer1967 said:

Good Morning,

My partner Maxine of 17 years, passed away from cancer Oct 2021, she was 61.

Her favourite place was Eype Caravan Park in Dorset, DT6 6AL. Her favourite fruit were cherries. I've been given permission to plant a tree in her memory. would a cherry tree thrive in this area? If I water it in, would it survive unattended? I only holiday there once or twice a year. Also, what would be the best variety of cherry tree to plant?

Thanks ever-so in advance.

Andy

My condolences on your loss.

Another thought is, would the tree be damaged when bearing fruit, by children scrumping the cherries?

When I was choosing some remembrance trees for a friend, to be planted in a garden open to the public, the owner suggested I chose trees which were at their best at the time of year when my friend died. He died in November so I chose a snake bark acer, for year round interest, winter flowering honeysuckle and crab apple Sentinel which has vermillion fruits which stay on the tree all winter. For some reason the birds do not like them.
They were planted in a winter garden area, created in  memory of the owner's brother in law, so it was really appropriate.

andy.palmer1967

Good Morning Topbird,

Thank-you for your reply. That is good advice.

**** If anyone has any other suggestions other than a cherry tree, maybe something hardy/easy to grow/can be left unattended once watered in that also flowers and also helps bees etc. I'd be most grateful for your input. It doesn't have to be a fruit tree****

Kindest Regards.

AnniD

andy.palmer1967 said:

Good Morning AnniD,
 What is 'appropriate staking' ?

Have a look here, this will give you some idea of what is involved 
https://www.chewvalleytrees.co.uk/guides/article/staking?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2fLTlZn19wIV0sLVCh1_wAZJEAMYASAAEgL_CfD_BwE

https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/trees/staking

andy.palmer1967

Hello Joyce Goldenlily (nice name)

Thank-you for your suggestions, I will certainly bear those you have mentioned in mind.

My Kindest regards.