Ashmead's Kernel Ashmead's Kernel Ashmead's Kernel is a triploid cultivar of apple. Traditionally Ashmead's Kernel was thought to be diploid but a poor pollinator. Ashmead's Kernel is often reported as having been raised by Dr Ashmead in Gloucester, England in the 18th century. However Christine Leighton of the Gloucestershire Orchard Group suggests that the originator may have been William Ashmead, a lawyer who died in 1782. This dessert apple is of medium size, on average 83mm in diameter on vigorous rootstock and has a flat round shape. The base colour of the apple is greenish yellow, yet has a dull russet colour
John Ashmead later wrote a story about John Ashmead in "GQ" titled "My Tormented Mentor", and later republished as "My Teacher" in his publication of collected stories "Dogs Bark in the Night but the Caravans Move On." Conroy took Creative Writing classes with Ashmead while at Haverford College, and later attributed to Ashmead that the method of how he taught creative writing was the way he taught creative writing at the Iowa Writer's Workshop where Conroy himself influenced, inspired and encouraged a whole new generation of American writers. Other Haverford College English students include Dave Barry. Ashmead became acquainted and friends with