April 17, 2010; registration limited to 50 participants

Cider was an important craft and industry in the American colonies and young republic into the 20th century. It was an important dietary staple and used for barter. Hundreds of varieties of apples were grown just for this purpose. The art of blending and fermenting a fine cider is enjoying a renaissance. This meeting is dedicated to fostering this pursuit. We will discuss varieties of apples, the challenges of developing an orchard, and of fermenting fine cider. Join a lively roundtable discussion with artisan cidermakers, taste samples from the mill, and taste ciders from Virginia. Weather permitting, an orchard tour will be included.

February 20, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; registration limited to 50 participants

The cultivation of superior fruit is an art as well as a science. Come join us for an informative seminar that will give you what you need to begin and develop your own orchard. Learn how to overcome challenges and explore the many choices facing the fruit grower. Lunch is provided. Presenters at this workshop in addition to Vintage Virginia Apples staff will be Richard Marini, Chairman, Department of Horticulture, Penn State University, Tom Burford, Orchard Consultant and author, and the staff of Vintage Virginia Apples. Each participant will receive a Planning and Planting Workbook to guide them through the layout of the design for the orchard. After the workshop, the presenters will be available for brief personal consultation with each registrant. Orchard design service available.

February 13, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon; registration limited to 30 participants

Fruit trees demand regular and careful pruning to get off to a good start and stay productive. Effective pruning is necessary to growing good fruit by opening up the tree to maximize light penetration and maintain the proper balance between vegetative growth and fruit production. Keeping branches open to light and air speeds drying of leaves and fruit, decreasing diseases. It also allows sprays to penetrate if spraying is needed. Pruning is a basic skill that is both an art and a science. Workshop includes lecture and demonstration on shaping trees for maximizing fruit production. Learn techniques for careful pruning that will ensure a more bountiful harvest. Find out how much to prune, where to make the pruning cuts, and when it should be done. This workshop is offered on two dates and is paired with the Grafting Workshop on the same dates. You may register for either workshop or both. Lunch will be offered on site.

February 27 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon; registration limited to 30 participants

Fruit trees demand regular and careful pruning to get off to a good start and stay productive. Effective pruning is necessary to growing good fruit by opening up the tree to maximize light penetration and maintain the proper balance between vegetative growth and fruit production. Keeping branches open to light and air speeds drying of leaves and fruit, decreasing diseases. It also allows sprays to penetrate if spraying is needed. Pruning is a basic skill that is both an art and a science. Workshop includes lecture and demonstration on shaping trees for maximizing fruit production. Learn techniques for careful pruning that will ensure a more bountiful harvest. Find out how much to prune, where to make the pruning cuts, and when it should be done. This workshop is offered on two dates and is paired with the Grafting Workshop on the same dates. You may register for either workshop or both. Lunch will be offered on site.

February 13, 2010, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.; registration limited to 30 participants

Join us as we explore the ancient art of grafting fruit trees, a basic skill for the fruit grower, especially if one wants to have a particular variety of fruit that may be difficult or impossible to find in commerce. Basic bench grafting is one of the most reliable methods of creating a new tree. Grafting is also a method of creating a tree better adapted to the soil or climate or space available. Most standard apple trees grow to 40 feet and their spread is about the same, hardly practical for the living spaces we have today. This workshop will teach you the basic techniques of bench grafting which you will apply with the rootstocks and scionwood supplied. You will have some choice as to variety of apple. All materials will be supplied. Do bring pruners and a sharp thin-bladed knife (available for sale on this Web site in the “Orchard Tools” section). This workshop is offered on two dates and is paired with the Pruning Workshop on the same dates. You may register for either workshop or both. Lunch will be offered on site.

February 27, 2010, from 1:00-4:00 p.m.; registration limited to 30 participants

Join us as we explore the ancient art of grafting fruit trees, a basic skill for the fruit grower, especially if one wants to have a particular variety of fruit that may be difficult or impossible to find in commerce. Basic bench grafting is one of the most reliable methods of creating a new tree. Grafting is also a method of creating a tree better adapted to the soil or climate or space available. Most standard apple trees grow to 40 feet and their spread is about the same, hardly practical for the living spaces we have today. This workshop will teach you the basic techniques of bench grafting which you will apply with the rootstocks and scionwood supplied. You will have some choice as to variety of apple. All materials will be supplied. Do bring pruners and a sharp thin-bladed knife (available for sale on this Web site in the “Orchard Tools” section). This workshop is offered on two dates and is paired with the Pruning Workshop on the same dates. You may register for either workshop or both. Lunch will be offered on site.