Written by Amy Chapman
On Saturday, March 8 the Victory Neighborhood Association is hosting a free, hands-on pruning workshop in the orchard at the Loring Schoolyard Gardens. A University of Minnesota Extension Educator will explain the importance of pruning and demonstrate techniques specific to fruit trees.
Late winter and early spring are the best time to prune many trees, including fruit trees. Learn how to care for your fruit trees, how to prune to increase production, and to improve and maintain tree health.
Participants will be able to practice their new skills on the schoolyard orchard’s apple, cherry, apricot and plum trees. Participants are invited to return annually to help maintain the fruit trees at Loring. Volunteers from the Victory Neighborhood Environmental Committee and the Community Garden Group will be on hand to connect with anyone interested in future work with the trees and gardens in this space or at the Victory Community Gardens at the northwest corner of 47th and Vincent Aves.
Neighborhood gardens are a beautiful resource and volunteers are needed to keep them vibrant. Garden volunteers say they enjoy connecting with others in the community with similar interests, learning from one another and getting the satisfaction from seeing maintained public spaces.
Tools are provided for this workshop. While not necessary, an RSVP is appreciated so we can gauge how many tools to have on hand. Contact vinacommunitygarden@gmail.com with questions about this workshop, to indicate interest or to learn about other neighborhood garden-related opportunities. This is an outdoor event in a garden setting with uneven terrain; please dress appropriately for the weather.
Loring Elementary School is at 2600 44th Avenue North, Minneapolis and the gardens are on the south side of the school.