How do you like them apples?
24 August 2009
Kevin Walsh, Deputy Director of Computing and Information Services at LJMU, won first prize in the ‘Dessert Apples’ category at the Southport Flower Show last week for his Discovery apples.
Now in its 80th year, the Southport Flower Show has a reputation as one of the largest, most diverse and friendliest shows in the country.
The victory is all the sweeter for Kevin as it’s the first time he's entered into any gardening competitions. Kevin’s Discoveries won the judges over for his apples’ uniformity of colour, size and shape.
Being modest about his success, Kevin denied having any real gardening roots, commenting: “I got interested in gardening when I got my first house 37 years ago. I wouldn’t say I was a keen gardener though, it’s just something I enjoy.”
A firm believer in supporting his local community by taking part in such events, Kevin commented: “If people didn’t enter there wouldn’t be a flower show. The fact I won something proves that ordinary people can enter, compete and win.”
Asked about any tips for budding apple growers, Kevin has the following advice: “Disease and pest control is key. Careful pruning is important to encourage a good spur system – the apples grow on the spurs.”
Pictured: Kevin's winning Discovery apples.
