A rare variety of apple tree that once grew in the grounds of the Bute family estate in Cardiff has been planted in the city for what is thought to be the first time in around 100 years.
As we reported last October, Gabalfa apple trees, recorded historically as ‘Gabalva' apples, were thought to be lost until their rediscovery in Carmarthenshire in 2004.

Three of the trees have been planted as part of a new orchard being developed in Gabalfa Park as part of Cardiff Council's ‘Coed Caerdydd' urban forest project.
With the help of community volunteers, a further 47 Gabalva apple trees will be planted in Maitland Park, the Bute Park Community Orchard, and on school grounds during the current planting season.
450 other fruit trees including apples, pears, plums, and cherries will also be planted as part of this year's programme.
The last record of Gabalva apples in Cardiff's green spaces dates back to the time of renowned horticulturalist Andrew Pettigrew, head gardener to the 3rd Marquis of Bute from 1873 to 1901, who described three trees of this variety growing in the grounds "here at Gabalva" as being "about 35 feet high, with trunks thicker than a man's body."

According to an issue of the Gardener's Chronicle (see left) published c1900, this variety was "sufficiently good for a late dessert apple" and a "very valuable one for culinary purposes in the early months of the year". But even in the Victorian era, they appear to have been rare, with Pettigrew talking of how he had "shown specimens of the fruit to good judges at different times, but none of them knew it."
Orchards are an important food source for wildlife with spring blossoms providing an excellent nectar source for insects such as bees, hoverflies and moths. Later in the year, windfall fruits feed invertebrates, birds and mammals.
Fruit trees also provide important nesting opportunities and contribute to vital ‘dead wood' habitats.
If you'd like to volunteer to help plant trees in our area, including Rhiwbina, Heath, Llanishen, and Forest Farm, visit this Coed Caerdydd site.
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