Events

An Arnold Arboretum lecture with Michael Phillips, Farmer and Orchardist, Lost Nation Orchard at Heartsong Farm, Groveton, NH

Farmer and writer Michael Phillips (www.groworganicapples.com), author of The Holistic Orchard, discusses his holistic approach to growing healthy and wholesome tree fruit and berries in this three-hour seminar. Our primary role as fruit growers is to build system health. Embracing forest edge ecology is an important starting point for biological advantage for fruiting plants. Equally apropos are fascinating ecosystem connections that keep insect challenges far more manageable. We’ll examine dynamics like beneficial accumulators, pollinator habitat, spider allies, even how plant growth cycles suggest particular task timing to enhance these connections. Holistic methods are about deep nutrition and competitive colonization…which are enhanced by knowing stewardship of the orchard ecosystem.
Fee $60 (fee includes lunch) Register at http://my.arboretum.harvard.edu

Co-sponsored by the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, the Friends of Wellelsey College Botanic Gardens, and the Ecological Landscaping Association