"Janice" wrote in message
...
Does anyone have any experience with minarette apple trees? snip

I had a row of minarettes planted as a hedge dividing the garden. They did
produce a few fruits but really were only decorative when in bloom. Sadly
the goat escaped and had an expensive meal... now we have a mixed buddleja
hedge....
snip
I've also seen some that have two or even three different types of fruit
on
the one tree -- are these any good?

I've got a "family tree" on M90 stock (not Minarette) and it is a prolific
fruiter. It produces Bramleys, Cox and James Grieve. If you are strapped for
space they are quite a good bet - the only snag I've found is the differing
rates of growth of the branches. (Cox fastest, then James Grieve, with the
Bramley only half the size).
Since planting the family tree we added single Katy, Ida, Roche pear and
Victoria plum - the Katy in particular is fantastic. (Bright red apples,
early ripening with a crunchy texture eaten straight off the tree - and
terrific flavour). I wouldn't plant another "family tree" if I had space for
separates but it is an excellent option where space is a problem..