Winter Fruit Tree Pruning

Undercuts, espalier, UFO system, bevel cuts/flush cuts...what does it all mean...?!

In this workshop we will focus on apple and pear tree pruning in the winter. What is our intention and desired outcome for pruning at this time of year and how do I decide where to prune and how much? All will be revealed along with lots more!

We will also be covering tips on how to train younger fruit trees after planting and discussing important tips to consider when working with older trees.

This workshop is designed for pruners with limited experience and will hope to give them confidence and courage to tackle their own trees.

Instructor Bio: Gordon Mackay studied horticulture at Threave School of Gardening (two year program) in southwest Scotland followed by the three year diploma program at Pershore College of Horticulture in England. Since then arboriculture and all things trees and shrubs has taken over his life. Fruit tree pruning has become a niche business for him and along with working with honey bees, he also teaches horticulture and apiculture at the Pacific College of Horticulture. Gordon is also involved with the horticulture therapy programs at Providence Farm in Duncan.

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Proof of COVID vaccination is required for all attendees.

This workshop is happening in person only. Any health and safety protocols will be emailed to you 24 hours in advance. The workshop may be hosted outside, please dress appropriately for all types of weather!

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Only current members in good standing are eligible to use the free ticket option as a part of their member benefits package.

There are a limited number of Pay What You Can tickets available for folks who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), and people who are facing significant financial barriers to their involvement in our programming. The Compost Education Centre is in the process of examining the ways in which our program accessibility can be improved for all members of our community. This ticket gesture is by no means a fulsome examination of the systems of oppression that exist for people inside and outside of our community. We welcome your ideas and feedback.

Please pre-register for this event.

Customers can request a refund within 30 days of ticket purchase. After 30 days refunds and workshop exchanges are not permitted due to administrative staffing capacity. Please be in touch if you are no longer able to attend but hold a ticket so we can make your space available to someone else.

You can also register for the event by calling our office at 250 386 9676 or via email by contacting office@compost.bc.ca

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Accessibility info: The Compost Education Centre site has paths made of gravel (20%), and wood chips (80%). Mobility devices with wheels (such as wheelchairs, walkers etc.) are sometimes difficult to use on site, especially on the gravel paths.

There is a single-stall gender neutral washroom on site. The washroom is not wheelchair accessible and has a small step up from the gravel pathway, and another small step up from the washroom boardwalk.

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The Compost Education Centre is located on unceded and occupied Indigenous territories, specifically the land of the Lekwungen speaking people—the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. These nations are two of many, made up of individuals who have lived within the porous boundaries of what is considered Coast Salish, Nuu-Chah-Nulth and Kwakwa'wakw Territory (Vancouver Island) since time immemorial. At the CEC we seek to respect, honour and continually grow our own understandings of Indigenous rights and history, and to fulfill our responsibilities as settlers, who live and work directly with the land and its complex, vital ecologies and our diverse, evolving communities.

Compost Education Centre memberships get you free workshops, discounts at garden centres around town and more great perks! Sign up or learn more on our website.