Prunus avium ‘Donnisen’

The Tradescants were 17th century gardeners who introduced many new plants to England. More than 160 varieties of fruit were listed amongst the inventory of plants grown at the Tradescants nursery in Lambeth, many of which are illustrated in the Orchard. The Garden Museum invited 40 of the worlds leading botanical artists to paint watercolours of fruit in response to the Orchard.

Christine Battle was attracted to the original Tradescant illustration of the “Whight Cherry”, not only for its subtle colouring but also for its quirky name, so evocative of its period. She also liked the challenge of trying to find a modern equivalent of the Tradescants’ variety and was lucky to discover the ‘Donnisen’ Cherry at Brogdale in Kent. A true Yellow Cherry which ripens to a beautiful soft yellow with the faintest rosy highlights, Christine said it was a treat to paint it.