Pears on the Wall (gouache style)

Pears have been grown in British gardens for centuries, and they're longer lived than many fruit trees. 'Conference' is the reliable all-rounder, partly self-fertile and tolerant of cooler spots, while 'Doyenné du Comice' has a richer, buttery flesh but wants more warmth and a pollinating partner. You can tell a pear tree by its upright habit, glossy oval leaves and white blossom, which opens earlier than apple blossom, often in April.

Because of that early flowering, a sheltered south or west facing wall gives the blossom a better chance against late frost. Plant bare-root trees from November to March and tie the branches to horizontal wires as an espalier or fan. In late July or August, shorten the new side shoots to three leaves to keep the shape tidy. Pick early varieties while still firm and let them finish indoors, since many go soft at the core if left too long on the tree. Late pears store well somewhere cool.

This picture shows golden pears ripening on a tree trained flat against a brick wall. The wall isn't only a backdrop: it holds the warmth that helps the fruit along. Catching the pears as they turn golden marks the short window between hard green fruit and the moment they're ready to bring in.