Defying the odds

The ‘Comice’ pear is said to be difficult to grow in exposed gardens and mine is on a steep slope on heavy clay, open to the east wind – just the wrong conditions. Three years ago my partner bought me a ‘Comice’ tree, knowing it was my favourite, but not knowing how tender they’re supposed to be. I didn’t expect it to survive as many previous shrubs I’ve planted have died in the demanding conditions. However, I felt I had to plant it anyway as it was a present but I didn’t expect it to thrive, let alone produce any fruit. To my surprise, it’s not only survived, but flourished! This is the third year after planting and it has produced 22 large, juicy pears. At the same time, a ‘Discovery’ I planted next to it has struggled and only produced one pear. You don’t know if something will work until you try it! Peter Hairsine, Pembrokeshire

Simon says: Great news, Peter. I hope there’ll be many harvests to come! Peter wins a £25 voucher from Mr Fothergill’s for use in its mail-order catalogue. It’s packed with a huge choice of quality seeds and exciting flower, fruit and veg plants.