For the 10th year running we’re offering a hands on practical day with Chris Bird. Senior lecturer at Sparsholt College, Chris coordinates the Colleges RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden, winning ten gold medals. He has also published The Fundamentals of Horticulture for the RHS.
Winter and Summer pruning are different. Summer pruning is the main method of pruning apples and pear trees trained as restricted forms, such as cordons, espaliers, fans and pyramids, allowing sunlight to ripen the fruit. The day will provide participants with practical skills through hands on experience, and although concentrating on apple trees Chris knows everything there is to know about fruit and there will be the chance to look at other types of fruit such as pears, quince, fig, currents and berries in the Centre garden.
No prior knowledge is required. Please feel free to bring your own tools (for example secateurs, pruning saw etc) although some tools will be available at the Centre.
We will be outside and although we expect summer conditions please wear suitable clothing.
Tea and coffee will be available.
No refunds are given unless the course is cancelled.