These programs are presented in conjunction with the Friends of the Morrill Homestead in partnership with the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.
Summer 2023
Vermont fruit and vegetable growers suffered a severe spring freeze on May 18, 2023. No farm escaped, although the impact was less devastating at some protected locations. Historic rainfall and prolonged saturated ground have compounded the challenges of growing fruit that suffered severe stress as the pollinated flowers struggled to develop seeds.
Despite these setbacks, Whitman Brook’s many apple varieties, hillside location, and beneficial airflow has resulted in a good crop.
Whitman Brook Orchard Guided Walk - Summer Varieties
Saturday, August 21, 2021, 2-4 pm
Terry Dorman, owner and manager of Whitman Brook Orchard, leads this tour as the orchard prepares for harvest season. Learn the history of certain apples, as well the characteristics and uses for a number of the lesser known varieties grown at Whitman Brook. The walk offers a close-up look at the reclamation and restoration of a 100-year-old abandoned hillside orchard with an opportunity to examine the evolution of grafting techniques on older trees. Participants will not only see the results of this year’s spring grafts, but also the evolution of earlier grafts now bearing fruit.
Whitman Brook Orchard Guided Walk - Pruning & Grafting
Saturday, April 18, 2020, 1:30-3:30 pm
This guided walk in Whitman Brook Orchard illustrates, across a variety of cultivars and conditions, how to perform annual pruning and grafting of apple trees in the field. Participants see examples on various ages of trees and plant spacing, including those dating back to the original 1920’s orchard. The walk also highlights different growing conditions and the corresponding pruning and grafting techniques. Approaches to height reduction and long-term corrective pruning are shown in different stages as are sequential pruning techniques for five years following a multi-scion rind graft. Examples of whip & tongue, saddle, cleft and bridge grafts are highlighted. Special attention is given to techniques for top-working existing trees and healing grafts on larger cuts. Participants will see how to effectively start over and capitalize on a 100-year-old rootstock. The purpose of this walk is to expose the participant to as many pruning and grafting conditions as possible.
Whitman Brook Orchard Guided Walk - Grafting
Saturday, May 4, 2019, 1:30-3:30 pm
This guided walk in Whitman Brook Orchard demonstrates how to perform grafts on apple trees in the field. Participants will see examples of whip & tongue, saddle, cleft and rind grafts. Special attention is given to techniques for top-working existing trees and healing grafts on larger cuts. Extra materials will be available for practice cuts.