Winter Pruning with Gisella Warmenhoven

Are you not sure where to begin with pruning your fruit trees? Come and learn how to train a young tree or tame a neglected tree to ensure its longevity and increase production.

The day will commence at the Community Center with a brief theoretical session and tool sharpening, followed by a live demonstration. You will then have the opportunity to prune under the expert guidance and supervision of Gisella Warmenhoven. Gisella is a biodynamic gardener, permaculture teacher, and Feldenkrais practitioner, bringing decades of pruning experience to the table. She will not only teach you the art of pruning but also guide you on using more efficient movements during physical work, ensuring your well-being.

This workshop is not just about theory – it is a hands-on guide to winter fruit tree pruning for optimum next-season fruiting. You will be actively involved, using loppers and secateurs under guidance and support to build your confidence and practical skills.You will start by looking specifically at apples, but the same pruning principles also apply to many other fruit trees.

Gisella will explain the fundamentals of pruning:

• Why      pruning is necessary
• Tool use      and maintenance
• Deciding      on a training system
• When to      prune and when best to avoid it
• Identifying      fruiting wood
• Thinning      cuts vs heading cuts

For this course in one of our home orchards, dress according to weather conditions. We recommend wearing sturdy footwear or gumboots.

Please bring your secateurs, loppers, and pruning saw if you have one – but don't go out to buy something new just yet!

Please note that this workshop is weather dependant and will be cancelled if wet.

Limited to 10 participants. Bookings are essential. Bookings close Thursday, 6th June at 2pm.

This workshop is proudly sponsored by the Riverside Community Trust. Please contact Tanja (at education@riverside.org.nz) for workshop questions or to ask about sponsorship options.