Pear tree gifts: our gift of the month for August
Pears are one of late summer’s great pleasures. Sweet, fragrant and wonderfully satisfying when perfectly ripe, they bring a little seasonal magic into the garden and kitchen alike.
August marks the beginning of pear harvesting season, making it the perfect time to send a thoughtful Pear Tree Gift to someone special.
Whether given for a birthday, anniversary or christening, a pear tree becomes a living reminder of the occasion, returning year after year with blossom in spring and fruit in late summer.
Every pear tree we send has been carefully grown at our nursery for around two years before delivery. While younger trees may not immediately produce fruit, they will establish steadily and reward patience with delicious homegrown pears in the years ahead.
Natural history of the pear tree
Pears have been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years. Wild pears were gathered and eaten in prehistoric times long before cultivated orchards existed.
The cultivation of pear trees dates back to Ancient Greece and Rome, where records describe grafting techniques and orchard growing methods surprisingly similar to those still used today.
It is believed that pears were introduced to Britain by the Romans. By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, pears were already being grown across the country and have remained a much-loved British fruit ever since.
Cooking and enjoying pears
A perfectly ripe pear is one of nature’s finest treats, though catching that perfect moment takes patience.
Unlike apples, pears ripen from the inside out. The best sign that they are ready to eat is a gentle softness near the stem.
Pears are delicious eaten fresh, but they are equally wonderful in cooking. They can be baked into cakes, paired with frangipane in tarts, poached in wine and spices or transformed into traditional pear cider, known as perry.
For more inspiration, explore our favourite pear recipes and serving ideas.
Pear tree care hints and tips
Once established, pear trees are generally hardy and straightforward to care for in the British climate.
During warmer months, regular watering is important as pears contain a very high water content and trees can struggle in prolonged dry spells.
Winter pruning helps encourage healthy growth and reliable fruit production. Remove weak or damaged branches first, then lightly shape the tree by reducing new growth and opening up the centre for airflow and light.
If space is limited, our Dwarf Pear Tree Gift is an excellent choice.
This compact variety grows happily in pots and typically reaches around 2m tall while still producing full-sized pears. Better still, it is self-fertile, meaning it does not require another pear tree nearby for pollination.
The Dwarf Pear Tree Gift arrives at approximately 1m tall.
Why pear trees make meaningful gifts
Pear trees are gifts filled with symbolism, patience and reward. They blossom beautifully in spring, provide fruit in late summer and continue growing stronger with each passing year.
Explore our full collection of Pear Tree Gifts and find a living gift that can be enjoyed for seasons to come.
Image credit
Pear photograph by Christian Guthier on Flickr