Do your homework!, was a familiar term which caused quite a bit of unrest in our household growing up. It has finally dawned on me just how important it is getting stuck in doing the homework and researching new ideas and places to photograph. After our trip to the Bluebells in the forest back in April we got to thinking about taking advantage of seasons, and what they have to offer.
Looking out at a tiny apple tree and its blossoms brought to mind the Apple Orchards of County Armagh. And so the seed of an idea was born, forgive the pun. We took to google earth looking at Loughgall and studied the roads with the familiar orchard patterns. Checked the flowering and the local weather and of course since it’s Ireland, we checked the weather again.
Armed with a list of roads and vistas we headed for the rolling hills of Armagh. We had picked a perfect day blue skies and brilliant sunshine. The Apple blossoms looked glorious , traveling along a lane we spotted two red tractors and took the opportunity to have a word with the drivers. What a lucky break, we met two very friendly gentlemen who invited us to come along to their orchard. We met the family, the pets , got the tour and the fascinating story of the Armagh Orchards and also learned about the Armagh Bramley Apple receiving from the European Commission, the PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) status.
While some photographers may say there is nothing better than getting the shot. We got the shots, but better than that we came away with something better, we came away with a couple of new friends. While the trees are full of blossoms in May and it was a stunning sight of white and pink flowers. We will continue on this project and travel back to the Orchards for harvest.
There’s a pretty refreshing activity among some of the Armagh Orchard growers , a couple are making their own Craft Ciders , we departed Armagh with a few very fine samples.. I would think this area holds a very bright brewing future too. Have a look at a small selection of photographs from the day here
http://www.nuaphotography.com/p277073739