Orchard Learning Programme 2023 at Horfield Organic Community Orchard

Pruning in winter

Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO) is celebrating 25 years as a community and fruit-growing project. Since 1998 hundreds of volunteer members have cared for nearly a hundred fruiting trees. HOCO is also raising an urban orchard for community education and horticultural experimentation. The Orchard Learning Programme, developed in 2018, is a hands-on and holistic adventure in community orcharding that guides participants over a growing season at HOCO.

The 9-month course (see dates summary below) is designed to deepen the knowledge and sharpen the skills of those involved in the close care of fruit trees. It is ideal for growers with previous fruit growing experience, and highly recommended for anyone starting up, or involved with, an orchard. Participants work with less-than-perfect trees and learn by doing.

Programme content and structure are always evolving – driven by climate chaos, and shaped by the experiences and needs of participants. The blend of group learning days and one-to-one sessions was a great success when introduced last year. All sessions take place outdoors in the example-rich Horfield Organic Community Orchard. They are led by Shannon Smith – an experienced community orchard grower and educator.

Successful applicants are partnered with a fruit tree – their Tree Buddy – for the year. They join with other HOCO members to help organise orchard working meetings and community events.

Places are limited. Deadline for applications is Sunday 29 January 2023.

More information on the HOCO website: www.community-orchard.org.uk

Days Cottage Pruning Course 2nd Feb 2023

Thursday 2nd February 10.00am – 1.00pm

Learn to prune fruit trees of all ages. Hands-on training that demystifies those gardening book diagrams! Create shapely, healthy, productive trees. Includes refreshments and hot drinks in cosy yurt.

Maximum of 12 people on the course. All tools provided, but bring your own if you prefer.

£40.00

There will be a repeat of this course on Tuesday 21st February 10.00am – 1.00pm

Details at http://dayscottage.co.uk/courses

To book please contact applejuice@dayscottage.co.uk or 01452 813602

Days Cottage Pruning Course 21st Feb 2023

Tuesday 21st February 10.00am – 1.00pm

Learn to prune fruit trees of all ages. Hands-on training that demystifies those gardening book diagrams! Create shapely, healthy, productive trees. Includes refreshments and hot drinks in cosy yurt.

Maximum of 12 people on the course. All tools provided, but bring your own if you prefer.

£40.00

Details at http://dayscottage.co.uk/courses

To book please contact applejuice@dayscottage.co.uk or 01452 813602

Grafting Workshop, Winterbourne Barn, 18th February 2023

Winterbourne Barn’s annual grafting workshop will take place on Saturday 18th February 2023 from 10am to 4pm.

Come and learn how to graft apple trees on this course under the tuition of Ben Raskin, a previous commercial fruit grower and an enthusiastic, effective and very knowledgeable teacher, now Head of Horticulture at The Soil Association.

Visit www.winterbournebarn.org.uk/events and scroll through until you come to Apple Grafting for details.

Or, to see booking information, go to https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/winterbourne-medieval-barn-trust/t-avvoeav

Growing and Training Fruit in Small Spaces course, Thursday 18 August 2022

At Sue Gibson School of Gardening, May Cottage, Slimbridge.

Growing and Training Fruit in Small Spaces course on Thursday 18 August 2022.

Cost £75 including lunch (10% discount to GOT members).

Sue Gibson School of Gardening. https://www.iteachgardening.co.uk/

For details/to book email: info@iteachgardening.co.uk