The Lemon Grove
The lemon grove was set up in the 1960s. The land was cleared by the members of the family,
using a donkey to help with transport. A two strema terrace was made and stones from the
land nearby were used to build a retaining wall about one and a half metres high.
More Information
The land close to the stream was used as a vineyard and at some point a drilled well was made between the vineyard and the lemon grove. This was apparently quite a challenge; it took three attempts to find a deep water source.
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" which is supposed to be more resistant to disease caused by damp conditions.
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.
The land has been tilled, but not cleared annually due to lack of funds; so areas around the trees have become a rich habitat for wildlife.
With Their dense, prickly branches, lemon trees afford a safe home for small birds. Undesirable for orchard trees, damaged trees close to the stream provide an interesting display of fungi, mosses and lichen. Their importance is not fully understand or appreciated.
Throughout 2003-6 efforts were made to keep the lemon grove cleared but it was very expensive, work was often not completed satifactorily, and the fertile soil ensured a healthy crop - of brambles and other hardy "weeds".
2007 offered an oppotunity to sell the Lemon Grove, for use as a stable, or for other development. vague offers were made but none were satisfactory and, following a successfulas 2008 clearance at lamda olive grove, the aim for 2009 will be to restore or clear the Lemon Grove.