D W & G Simpson
Moutere Highway,
RD Richmond,
Nelson
Twelve years ago this property was bare flat paddocks, which had been leased to Waimea Nurseries for apple tree production.
Feijoas were planted first and later some varieties were removed (David, which fruited too late and Gemini which produced very small fruit) and these trees were replaced by olives. New varieties of olives have been planted to provide cutting material for the nursery.
Newer varieties of feijoas are still being planted and assessed.
On the southern block 4 Ha of Taylors Gold pears were planted 6-7 years ago. Taylors Gold is a russetted Doyenne du Comice, very desirable because of its ability to withstand packhouse handling.
Grapes, mostly Sauvignon Blanc were planted 5-6 years ago and will soon be ready to harvest for our third vintage. Other varieties grown, are Chardonnay, Reisling and a selection of dessert grapes. Doug's aim is to produce a good late harvest wine.
An E.N.Z.A. trial block for apples has been established for 3-4 years and as well Waimea Nurseries has its own cultivar centre for new varieties and also is conducting an apple rootstock breeding programme.
Other fruiting trees on the estate are figs, mulberries, chesnuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans and persimmons.
Doug and Georgi Simpson apologise for their absence on this occasion.
http://www.nzero.co.nz/treecrop/conf98/simpsons.htm