Hysteranthous -blossom before leaves.
Pears do this. Apples which flower a few weeks later take the usual leaves first course to the spring weather shielding the delicate flower buds from frost etc. this has the downs of more energy needed to grow the leaves, and more competition for pollinators. Pear which are more cold hardy have evolved to flower dramatically as early as possible in Spring to attract bees etc but run the risk of losing all with a late frost.

Mystery solved! Kererū poo! Kererū are the native pigeons of Aotearoa and one of the largest in the world. Given their size a food source for Māori. Under a large greengage tree at Beau Vista orchard has been continuous poo each morning. I thought possums but trap those and the possum trap on the tree was not activated. Then they arrived whilst I was working underneath. Three beautiful birds who had been hiding from me for weeks. Must roost in the tree at night. #kereru #orchard #NewZealand

The orchard is changing rapidly now the days are longer and the temperatures are climbing after a slow start to Spring. We are now peak bluebells. They have put on a great show this year. #bluebells #cider #orchard #Wairarapa

Well that's a wrap. Winetopia 2025 in Auckland was great. 2 days of fun. Wonderful customers really passionate about how cider is wine.
Lots tasted. We had 3 offerings a SV Kingston Black, SV Yarlington Mill, and a mixed Perry. Great networking with winemakers.
#Winetopianz #Winetopia2025
#Cider

Winetopia 2025 in Auckland is a blast. 50 stands of premium wines food and of course cider. We are next to Palliser in the Wairarapa section. Masterclasses and live cover band with dancing. Did I mention a fantastic rendition of Dancing Queen? #winetopianz #Winetopia2025 #cider

A good day was had. Now we know a 50 seater bus fits now the drive at TeePee Cider! We hosted a visit by Wellington U3A. Sadly the blossom was late and it rain, rain, rained but with improvisation, a gazebo and a talk, our guests had a good day with cider tastings and good food. #cider #U3A #orchard

Our local park has a magnificent conference pear tree in it. Really quite old and majestic for NZ. This year it is looking spectacular with heavy blossoms. Although late probably due to the colder end to winter most early fruit trees like cherry have heavy blooms now. Promises to be a good harvest in Autumn. #pear #Spring #blossom

The humble forget-me-not self sets and appears each year at this time around TeePee Cidery. Its scienitific name is Myosotis arvensis a species of flowering plants in the family Boraginaceae from the Northern Hemisphere. Introduced in the 1879z it lives to set in the rough parts like the rubble at the side of the driveway. Myosotis alpestris is the official flower of Alaska. #cidery #New Zealand #Aotearoa

Excellent article on cider and what it’s made from. Spoiler alert not often 100% apples. #cider https://www.forbes.com/sites/felipeschrieberg/2025/09/29/how-eu-policy-affects-small-high-quality-cider-makers/

At last! The leaf buds of Tom Putt, our earliest cider apple trees at Beau Vista orchard are opening. No sign of blossom yet though and most varieties are still dormant. #apple #cider #Wairarapa #Aotearoa #NewZealand