I’ve harvested over 30lbs (14kg) of Conference Pears from a 7ft high tree in my garden. The tree is companion planted with three-cornered leek (Allium triquetrum), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), and Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata). Close-by there’s an edible hedge containing; Elder (Sambucus), Hawthorn (Crataegus), Wild Cherry (Prunus avium), Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), and Hazel (Corylus). In my wee garden a diversity of plants, trees and wildlife contribute symbiotically to the health of the space both over and under ground.
The Conference Pear (Pyrus communis) developed at the Rivers Nursery in Sawbridgeworth won first prize at the National British Pear Conference in London in 1885. Thus its name.
The pear tree is associated with Hera, Aphrodite and Isis.
In European folklore it was often planted near gates or the northeast corner of a garden to ward off evil spirits. In some parts of Europe on the birth of a girl a pear would be planted, and an apple for a boy.
Pears contain Vitamin C, Vitamin K, potassium, copper, and magnesium and are beneficial to gut, heart and cell health, whilst also lowering bad cholesterol and the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Leave a Reply