DAMSONS,

               Damsons, plums and gages Have a  formation which is very similar, and is thought to have to have originated from one species, but with the skill and care together with detail for taste, colour and appeal, made by growers/grafters, they have evolved to some varied and interesting fruits. these delicious fruits are not only flavoursome and juicy,but can be used in cooking, jams and so on and are as delightful  just in the  eating. If you choose a tree my suggestion would be of one that can be used for  eating (beware they may disappear before your eyes), as well as one of the uses suggested.

               When selecting a tree take the advice of your garden/horticultural centre as they have the skill and knowledge to help and advise you of a suitable choice to suit your site conditions. Whilst not all gardening centres grow the varying trees, they have probably taken supplies from growers of repute, and their suggestions are given knowing the reliability of the source.

                            DAMSONS.

                 It seems that trees in the damson family (especially in the U.K.) all need the word damson after the name, no reason is given anywhere that I can see, but is possibly connected to the fact that damsons are usually described with the listing of plums. (I am sure there is someone to advise me!).

         MERRYWEATHER DAMSON.

                  A good variety, as it is able to survive in wet or exposed conditions unacceptable to plums. Bluish black fruit with very much a damson flavour. and is without the need of a pollinator.

         DAMSON SHROPSHIRE PRUNE.

                 A reliable cropper although moderate, with a compact nature and ideal for the smaller garden, often found traditionally growing in hedgerows and also known as Prune Damson, producing a small oval blue (almost black)skinned fruit, with a juicy green to yellow flesh with a wonderful flavour, with no need for a pollinator.

            FARLEIGH DAMSON.

                Raised in Kent U.K. in 1820, this is a tree that will probably crop quite regularly in the cooler wet climes being very hardy., with an  abundance of fruit  black with a hint of blue skins and fruit with a true damson flavour, no pollinator is necessary.

                Damsons like plums and gages can be used in a variety of ways from wine making to inclusion in a fruit salad or cooking, I would suggest, dependant on variety used that sweeting may be necessary dependant on the use it is put to, also the fruit set against the leaves on the tree can make a contrast to other fruit in you garden.

                 If you feel that there is not enough uses for the damson, I should add that they can be pickled ( pickled damsons go well with both cold meat and poultry), Used in the making of gin, cheese and brandy.  If  that is not enough, they were used in Roman times to make a purple dye.

                  BEWARE, when feeding to little ones (some of the older ones as well) make sure they wear a bib.                      FRED.