#loganberries

The farm is now being run by Tom Wolfe and his uncle Tony. The family has German heritage and so has always grown a wide range of heritage European fruits, including gooseberries.

Tony Wolfe explains the colour and taste differences between a few varieties that his grandfather planted: ‘Leatherjacket’ stays yellow, but ‘Crown Bob’ gets a red tinge and becomes a bit sweeter. However, gooseberries have some large thorns, so Tony says to pick towards the middle of the bush to go with the shape of the thorn.

Gooseberries are quite hardy in Tasmania’s cool climate, making them easy to grow. The farm also grows raspberries, red and black currants, loganberries, jostaberries, Kentish cherries, and plums.

Jostaberries are a thornless hybrid that combines the flavour of gooseberries and blackcurrants. Prune them like raspberries, removing old canes, as the new canes will provide the fruit. They can be prolific, so it helps to aim for a vase shape and avoid a thicket that’s too hard to pick from!

Loganberries are another hybrid – a cross between raspberries and blackberries. They are ripe when deep purple. Tony trains canes horizontally to waist height for easier picking.

The Kentish cherry trees are pruned low and small for easier picking and to avoid a lanky, fragile crown that can break in the wind. It’s an heirloom variety from England with bright red skin and pale flesh that is great for jams and cooking.

The raspberries are grown from 100-year-old stock.

Tom took on the partnership with Tony after his father, Tony’s brother, died suddenly, but they are determined to keep the farm in the family. Tom’s young children are now growing up to love the farm.

Music is also a large part of the family tradition, with members playing in bands and orchestras over many decades. Tom’s father’s band, Midnight Revival, once played backup for AC/DC! Now Tom and brother Nick are often on tour with their country music band, The Wolfe Brothers.

Featured plants:

Gooseberry ‘Leatherjacket’ (Ribes uva-crispa cv.)

Gooseberry ‘Crown Bob’ (Ribes uva-crispa cv.)

Jostaberry (Ribes x nidigrolaria)

Loganberry (Rubus x loganobaccus)

Kentish Cherry (Prunus cerasus)

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus cv.)