* Visitors welcome at all our functions. Come learn about Tree Cropping!
PLEASE respect our generous hosts' property and other visitors' peaceful attendance. Bring NO pets.
Beware of health and safety hazards which may exist - children must be supervised. Bring sturdy footwear and suitable clothing. Let's all enjoy our day!
Newsletter Editors - Important note:
No recent notices emailed.
2007 September
- When:
- Sun 9, 10:30am
- What:
- Grafting Day: Crosby's
- Where:
- Crosby's, Herbert, North Otago - will be signs posted.
- Details:
- Field day - There will be plums, as well as apples available this year. Further details in the August newsletter.
- When:
- Sun 2, 10:30am
- What:
- Grafting Day: Bland Park
- Where:
- Bland Park - will be signs posted.
- Details:
- Field day - We are also holding one in North Otago; see above. There will be plums, as well as apples available this year. Further details will be in the next newsletter.
2007 July
- When:
- Sun 29, 10:30am
- What:
- Pruning Demonstration
- Where:
- Totara - will be signs posted.
- Details:
- Field day - We will start at 10.30 am at the Crosby's, looking at younger trees. We will have lunch there and then look at the care of old trees at the McLeod's in Station Road at 2.00pm, Totara.
Book Review - The Story of the Apple:
Barrie E. Juniper & David J. Mabberly, 2006, Timber Press. (B.E.J. was a Leverhulme Emeritus Research Fellow in the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Oxford.) (D.J.M. is the Soest Professor of Horticultural Science, Director of the University of Washington Botanic Gardens, and visiting professor at the University of Leiden.)
This is a wonderful book that explains the origins, genetics and development of the apple and its spread throughout the globe.
The first chapter answers the question "What is an apple?" as we know it, its description, relatives and the homeland from which it has spread.
The second chapter seeks the origin of the apple. In it Malus pumila and its relatives are assessed in terms of DNA evidence and that of its cultivars. The fruit forest is described and the influence of animals assessed.
Chapter 3. Archaeology and the apple deals with the movement of ancient peoples across the East-West trade routes connecting China with the West. In chapter 4 grafting technology and its development are discussed along with the development of root-stocks. Archaeological evidence is presented and assessed.
Chapter 5 is concerned with the spread of the apple to the west. The great trade routes are described and discussed. Some are of great antiquity- the Silk Road was in use 2100 years ago. Unlike most other imported foods the apple was almost universally treated with adulation on its introduction to western peoples. It was quickly incorporated into the mythology, art and literature of its territory as well as influencing place names etc.
In chapter 6 its wonderful food value ensured its export across seas to colonies while its anti-scorbatic properties made it an essential component of ship's stores for long voyages.
Chapter 7 deals with cider, its manufacture, properties etc. There is a short discussion of ornamentals. Chapter 8 is a denouement- the apple from the dawn of time to the present. This book is packed with information and fraught with interest. It is most comprehensively referenced so that it is possible to follow up and research any material of particular interest. This book is in the Dunedin Public Library. I cannot commend it too highly.
Jim Dunckley. (From the Coastal Otago Branch NEWSLETTER No.120 June 2007)
Plums
Plums - An Introductory Guide by Andy Barratt
(also from the Coastal Otago Branch NEWSLETTER No.120 June 2007)
2007 continued
[no recent event details submitted, but see listing Events Nationwide]
2006 Annual Conference of NZ Tree Crops Association
'Cultivating Biodiversity', Masterton, Wairarapa, 2006 April 7-9
2005
February 2004 - Gevuina field days
Learn about Gevuina nut opportunities as a new venture. If you are considering an alternative new crop to grow, come along and view gevuina nut trees.
These field days start at 1:30pm and cost $10 per person
| Saturday 14 February | Balclutha. |
| Saturday 21 February | Dunedin. Register by 19 February. |
| Saturday 21 February | Waimate. Register by 26 February. |
November 2003
| When: | Sunday 2 Nov 2003, 2-4 pm |
| Where: | Clearwater Street, Broad Bay |
| What: | Chainsaw Use and Maintenance. This will be conducted by an experienced practitioner and tutor... |
2003 Annual Conference of NZ Tree Crops Association
| 2003 Conference April 23 to 27 * * * the Tree Cropper's National Event * * * |
| - was hosted by us - Coastal Otago Branch! Reviewed! Have a Look... |
March 2003 - AGM
| When: | Sunday 2 March 2003, 2 pm |
| Where: | Andy Barrat's, Apes Road, Merton |
| What: | AGM We need just a few new committee members and to run some field trips. The last one to Owaka was a great success. Please could you be present or have your name put forward as a candidate for a position on your committee. |
December 2002
| When: | Sunday 1 December 2002, 10am |
| Where: | Clevelands' property, Saddle Hill |
| What: |
Field Visit - * Wonderful amenity plantings * Very interesting native area that Les is experimenting with * Site chosen because of its special microclimate (owner's choice) * Ample Parking - a great opportunity to visit a special property |
September 2002
| When: | Sunday September 8, from 11am |
| Where: | Saddle Hill, Old Brighton Road (signposted) |
| What: |
Grafting Instruction - whip and tongue grafts You can graft your own scions or use some provided. You can practice using willow twigs which are easy to work with. |
August 2002
| When: | Sunday 11 August |
| Where: | Meeting at Balclutha Hall |
| What: | Trip around Owaka area. |
June 2002
| When: | 23 June at 2pm |
| Where: | Big Stone Road, Brighton |
| What: | Pruning - a newly established orchard with apples, pears, stone fruit. Please have your driver's license with you. With a little paper work we will gain some funds. |