New for 2019! Orchard Learning short courses An introduction to planning and caring for Fruit Growing in Small Spaces One-day course Saturday 27 April, 10am - 4pm Participants will learn from the Home Orchard Plot, and other examples of tree fruit and soft fruit growing in Horfield Organic Community Orchard. They will take away a plan of action at the end of the day. Shannon Smith is a knowledgeable and down-to-earth tutor. She has been growing fruit in cities and towns for more than 30 years - in containers, gardens, allotments and orchards. Course fee £45, £30 (HOCO
members*) This one-day course is also offered on Saturday 15 June Pruning & caring for Stone fruit trees - Plum, Greengage, Damson, Apricot, Cherry Weekend workshop Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 June, 10am - 4pm At their best, home-grown plums, gages and apricots are luscious orbs of heaven on earth. They are a world away from dry and disappointing shop-bought fruits. Caring for stone fruit trees is not the same as apples and pears, and many gardeners are confused by the differences. This weekend workshop shows how to care for these most delicious fruits. Participants learn from, and work with, a range of trees of different varieties and ages growing in Horfield Organic Community Orchard. The course covers pruning and training, managing pests and diseases, and choosing what to grow.Course fee £75, £60 (HOCO members*) Apply using this link: https://goo.gl/forms/0niaxJCUPhNlzSNy1 or contact us for a pdf form, and with any questions. Weekend Pruning Workshops Three weekend workshops. Can be booked separately. Course fee £60 (HOCO members*), £75 (non-members), each course. 8 places Some fruit growing experience needed. Learn by doing, and gain hands-on experience and confidence to: · Form and train young trees · Renew established free-standing and trained trees · Restore old trees Pruning - Dormant season – Apple & pear trees Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 March, 10am-4pm Pruning & Caring for Stone fruit trees - Plum, greengage, damson, apricot & cherry Saturday 29 & Sunday 30 June, 10am-4pm Pruning - Growing season – Apple & pear trees Saturday 20 July & Sunday 21 July, 10am-4pm Day courses
Planning and caring for fruit grown in small spaces - an introduction Course fee £30 (HOCO
members*), £45 (non-members). Each day is a separate course 8 places No previous experience needed. Saturday 27 April, 10am-4pm Saturday 15 June, 10am-4pm Growing season pruning of Apples & Pears – an introduction Course fee £45 (HOCO members*), £60 (non-members) 6 places No previous experience needed Saturday 27 July, 10am-4pm Please apply for courses using this link: https://goo.gl/forms/0niaxJCUPhNlzSNy1 Or contact us for a pdf form, and with any questions. Orchard Learning Programme 2019 Course dates, outline & information 9-months from March-November The programme is designed for participants with some previous experience
of growing tree fruit (e.g. apple, pear, plum)
Course fee, £125, plus HOCO membership*, £25/£20 10 places This course is no longer taking bookings Orchard Learning is a hands-on and
holistic programme. Learning with others is practical and fun. Participants
will gain experience, knowledge, skills, and confidence to care for fruit trees
for years to come.
The Orchard Learning Programme guides participants through a growing season in an established community orchard. It begins as the soil is stirring, and trees, as well as pests and diseases, are waking up from dormancy. It follows the fruiting arc from blossom, pollination and fruit set, to development, ripening and harvest. During the course participants learn to tune in to, and be guided by, the characteristics and needs of individual trees of different ages, varieties, and conditions.
*Participants agree to be/become members of Horfield Organic Community Orchard, and can join as a Harvest-share or Friend member (more information about membership here). Members share responsibility for looking after a pioneering community orchard, and helping to organise successful community events. Apply using this link: https://goo.gl/forms/0niaxJCUPhNlzSNy1 or contact us for a pdf form, and with any questions. Get Growing Fruit Trees - an introduction Sundays: 3 March, 5 May, 7 July, 8 September, 2pm-4.30pmCourse fee £60 (HOCO members*), £75 (non-members) This course is no longer taking bookings 8 places No previous experience needed. · March - Know your trees, their care needs, site, and soil · May - Pests, diseases, disorders · July - Pruning – why and how · September - Harvest, storage & preservation |
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