The very nature of orchards means that courses are seasonal. During the summer months, few courses are available.
Courses posted on this page are available to the public. Please see the newsletter for events available only to members.
Please note. All courses must be booked in advance particularly those marked with*, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Please book by post using form, clearly indicating course(s), your name/address/phone/e-mail, and make cheques out to ‘ Orchards Live ’. Courses are booked through the hon. secretary Jane Schofield, see Contact Us.
OL subscribers pay the lower fee where two are shown.
Courses and Events 2012
* Top Grafting, with Jane Pay
Sat 7 April 10.30am-1pm, near Chulmleigh
Fee £7/£6
In this very popular course Jane shows you her orchard where a very simple technique has transformed her tree varieties. Jane has years of experience of top grafting new varieties on to established trees. If you have a younger apple tree you don’t much like, an old tree that needs a new lease of life, or you want a ‘family’ tree with several varieties, then this course will show you how; the theory, the practice and the results.
Mazzard Blossom Walk, with RHS South West Fruit Group
Sat 28 April 10.30am-2.30pm (approx) Assemble at Landkey Village Hall, park in Millennium Green Car Park behind brown-signed Castle Inn.
Free event, but donations sought.
Please let Michael know if you intend to come. See contact us.
‘Like going to Heaven’ is how the old mazzard (very rare cherry) orchards in blossom were described; mazzards were only grown widely in a few parishes east of Barnstaple. After a short introduction, with an exhibition and coffee, Michael Gee will guide the group through the Landkey Millennium Green orchard of 60 eleven year-old trees, past two or three of the last remaining ancient century-old trees beside the Tarka Trail and on to his own orchard of 160 netted trees on G5 and G6 rootstocks.
The walk is just over a mile to Michael’s orchard and the same back, but if this is frightening or the weather awful, short-cuts by car are possible. So come dressed for a country walk and bring a picnic. No guarantee that there will be blossom, but if there is you will be amazed!
Orchards Live Annual Gathering and Tea Party
Sun 29 April, Umberleigh Village Hall (Please note change of venue)
All OL members will be sent personal invitations in March
Details of other 2012 events will be given in OL Newsletters No 53 to be published June 2012, and 54, and in due course on the website.
Sat 21 July, Top Budding with Jane Pay, Chulmleigh
Sat /Sun 22/23 September, Orchard Open Day.
Tues 18 September, OL Apple Roadshow with Winkleigh Gardening Club
Sat/Sun 6/7 October, RHS Apple Day and Community Orchards event
Sat/Sun 13/14 October, Eggesford Weekend
Sat 20 or Sun 21 October, tbc, Cider and Juice-making with Geoffrey Everett-Brown
Sun 28 October, South Molton Apple Fair
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