Permaculture Orchard Design
and Maintenance
Saturday, February 16, 2008
1:00 - 3:30 p.m
$35 per person
Location: Nisse Farm (near Manteno, Illinois)
Planning an orchard?
Years since you've pruned your favorite apple tree?
Not sure how to care for your young fruit trees?
What branches would you prune from this established pear tree?
(Click photo to enlarge.)
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Whether you have one fruit tree or want to start a small orchard of your own this workshop is will help you on your way. Join Mark Hoffman and Bill Land for an afternoon dedicated to orchard design and tree pruning. Mark and Bill will discuss orchard design from a permaculture perspective including:
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how to plant a fruit tree
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pruning berry bushes and canes
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integrating the orchard with other plants as well as with animals
This afternoon workshop covers techniques for pruning and includes hands-on pruning practice. Handouts provided.
Pruning an established apple or pear tree is a lot like cutting hair. 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. Apple trees grow vigorously and therefore are quite forgiving to the amateur pruner!
Note: please bring your own gloves. A pruning saw and/or pruning shears is desirable but not required. Bad weather date - Feb. 23, 2008, same time.
If you are planning to attend, please register online, send us an email, or
call Julie at 708-828-4325.
--Thank You --
Click here for directions to Nisse Farm
Bio: Mark Hoffman
Mark Hoffman
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Mark is one of the founding members of the Center for Sustainable Community, having been engaged in the Stelle Community for over 20 years. Mark grew up on a wheat and cattle farm in central Kansas, and his farmboy roots provide the foundation for a number of agricultural pursuits include beekeeping, raising poultry, and operating the permaculture oriented gardens at the bed and breakfast he and his wife Guia operate two miles from Stelle. Professionally, Mark works as a technical writer, trainer, and engineer, and serves as the webmaster for the CSC website.
Bio: Bill Land
Bill Land
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Bill Land has been involved with orchards since he owned a 14 acre peach orchard many years ago. As a homesteader he and his family planted an edible landscape as part of living a more self sufficient lifestyle. As a consultant in site design, permaculture and Chinese Feng Shui Bill’s interest has evolved into enhancing the natural energy of the land.
A resident of the Stelle community, Bill has assumed the role of CSC Project Manager including the management and stewardship of over 120 fruit apple, peach and pear trees. Bill and Argena Berne have spent many days pruning older trees to prepare for an abundant harvest this year. They are looking forward to planting additional cherry, persimmon and hazelnut trees this spring. |
