3 Quick Updates on Events and Classes

  1. We have joined the modern world and now provide the option to pay for all purchases at the Winter Field Day with credit cards! We hope this helps you spend more.
  2. Due to popular demand, we have added a second afternoon whip grafting class on March 21. See class description on what you will need to bring to the class. We will only have mostly practice wood available on day of the class. The same goes for those who have signed up for the Top Working Class in April. We will Top Work on our trees. You will need to have your own materials saved up at home if you want to top work one of your trees after the class.
  3. We will be selling some quality trees that we’ve been growing but no longer need in our nursery. See descriptions and prices below the Saturday Classes Section.

NW Fruit Saturday Classes 

Classes will be held on Saturday mornings, most from 9:30 to 11:30, in our Fruit Garden, located at 16650 State Route 536, Mount Vernon, WA unless noted in class description.   All classes are free with current membership.  Each class has a separate registration in Signup Genius, which must be completed 7 days in advance of the class date for our planning purposes.  Use this link  NW Fruit Saturday Classes  to register for one or all the classes.  To become a member of NW Fruit use this link Become a Member. 

Classes meet in the Pavillion located in the Master Gardener area at 9:30 AM unless otherwise noted.  If you have questions about any of the classes, contact Jake Jacobson. 

March 21– Whip Grafting with Larry Crum.

Class is Full.  Watch Signup Genius for Cancellations.

March 21 – Whip Grafting with Larry Crum

We will teach you how to whip graft your own fruit tree. Whip grafting, also called splice grafting, is where you join scion wood onto root stock. The rootstock determines the size and disease resistance to the overall tree. The scion wood determines the variety of fruit grown. We will also discuss cleft grafting, used when scions are much smaller than the rootstock. There will also be a general discussion on after-graft care. You will need to bring your own scion wood and rootstock to the class. You can buy these at the Winter Field Day on March 14, when there will be a good selection of varieties. A limited selection of leftover scions and rootstock will be available for purchase at the class if you miss the Winter Field Day. You will also need a grafting knife and sharp pruners. We will have a few grafting knives to share if you don’t yet have your own knife, along with wood to practice with, and we will supply the necessary rubber bands and parafilm to complete the finished graft. Morning Class is Full. Afternoon Class has openings. Watch Signup Genius for Cancellations.

March 28 – Introduction to Growing Your Own Fruit with Bill Pierce

What kinds of fruit can be grown in our maritime climate? What are some different ways to grow them? What’s involved in keeping fruit trees, shrubs and vines and what kinds of tools will I need?  Which pests and diseases are most common, and how are they controlled?  This tour-based class for the beginning orchardist will use our experience in the Fruit Garden to answer some of these questions and raise new ones.  Class size is limited to 25 members.

April 18- Top Working with Larry Crum.

Top Working is described as using bark grafting to add a scion of a different variety to an existing established tree. You will see a demonstration on how to perform this graft (different from a splice graft) and then practice doing the work yourself, under the team’s guidance. Bring your grafting knife.  Important Note:  If you have plans to top work a tree at home after the class, you will need to secure your new scion wood earlier in the year and store it in the fridge (keeps it dormant) until ready to graft.   Do not bring it to the class.  Class size is limited to 20 members.

Jun 6 – Apple Thinning and Insect Pest Control in the Backyard Orchard with Scott Terrell and Colleen Sanders.

We will demonstrate how to thin your fruit to improve fruit size and quality. Techniques for “organic” insect control in your home orchard will be discussed focusing on sticky traps, fruit footies (maggot barriers) and tree netting. We will demonstrate, with your participation, fruit thinning and the use of sticky traps, fruit footies and tree netting. Class size is limited to 25 members.

June 27- Annual fruit tree pruning with Steve Gaber.

We will discuss specific pruning cuts, “where to cut” and “how much to remove”. We will then move to the orchard for actual hands-on pruning practice, so review the study materials sent out one week before the class and bring your pruning tools. Steve is on our NW Fruit orchard pruning team and conducts maintenance pruning for three Whatcom County public agencies as a volunteer. Class is full, but we are adding a second class at a later date.  Watch for announcements.  Class size is limited to 15 members.

Surplus Trees for Sale on Field Day

These trees have been in our nursery for several years, and it’s now time for them to find a permanent home.  See Sam for details.

  1. Hudson’s Golden Gem Apple on M 26   $30
  2. Imperial Epineuse Plum on Marriana    $50
  3. Davis Red Jonagold on M 26   $25
  4. Karmijn de Sonnaville Apple on M 26  $50
  5. Karmijn de Sonnaville on M26  $50
  6. Karmijn de Sonnaville on M26  $40
  7. Small Cherry Cox Apple on M 26  $15