[CANUFNET] Urban Orchards

[Ian Wilson]

Hi Geoff,

We have a couple of small urban orchards in Kelowna since orchards are part of our agricultural heritage.  One of them is planted with Callery pear, so it doesn't actually produce any fruit and is more for show.  Another small orchard is plum trees.  Plums were chosen because they don't require pesticide sprays.  We also have community gardens that have a few fruit trees but they aren't orchards per se.

Edible landscaping seems to be an emerging trend in a number of cities these days - have a look on Google.

Some of the potential issues with urban orchards are - pesticide sprays, different pruning requirements for fruit production, who will harvest and uses the fruit?  Etc.

In our community gardens it's entirely run by a volunteer group, the city only supplies the space and they do all the rest - it's a model that works very well for us.  Our staff do look after the small orchards but they are not very big and don't require much resources

Ian



From: canufnet-bounces at list.web.net [mailto:canufnet-bounces at list.web.net] On Behalf Of McLeod, Geoff (IS - Parks)
Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 7:01 AM
To: 'canufnet at list.web.net'
Subject: [CANUFNET] Urban Orchards

The City of Saskatoon is currently in the process of doing some fact finding as it pertains to the mass planting of fruit bearing trees and shrubs. I would like to know who out there is familiar with any urban orchard type scenarios that have been planted in cities.  This could range from small scale plantings in community gardens to larger scale plantings is green spaces.  What are the successes and challenges?  What are minimum requirements for having such a set up? What resources such as community input and commitment, etc etc etc.

Thank you for your input.

Geoff McLeod

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit."


Geoff McLeod
BSc, BSF, MSc
Superintendent
Urban Forestry and Pest Management

City of Saskatoon
Parks Branch
Ph: 306.975.2537  Fax: 306.975.3034
Email: geoff.mcleod at saskatoon.ca




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