Open House and Orchard Pruning

February 5, 2006

10:00 a.m. - Open House and Tours

Noon - Lunch

1:30 p.m - Orchard Pruning in the Stelle Orchard

Join us for our monthly open house beginning at 10:00am.  We will share with you a bit about the nature of the community of Stelle today and some of what we have learned over the 30 years of living in community.  This will include a walking tour through town.  We will break for lunch which is a group effort (vegetarian option). 

After lunch we will head to the Stelle orchard, situated in the heart of the 9 acre plot newly purchased by CSC. Mark Hoffman will give a quick lesson in how to prune a fruit tree - then we will head out with our shears and pruning saws for a brisk afternoon of community service (weather permitting). Over the years, orchard pruning day has become a fun group activity, as well as an opportunity for some winter exercise - with roles for all ages. If possible, please bring your own pruning saw and/or pruning shears.

Remember - pruning a fruit tree is a lot like getting haircut. If you cut off a little too much, before long it will grow back and you'll never know the difference. So....don't worry about making a mistake or two. Apple trees grow vigorously and therefore are quite forgiving to the amateur pruner!

Heading out for the 2005 orchard pruning!