With 40 years of orchard experience, Les is the ideal person to teach others how to grow and care for apple trees. Les’s easy-going style, charisma and sheer wealth of experience makes his orchard courses both educational and enjoyable.
The one-day course for beginners or enthusiasts
is intended to introduce, enthuse and encourage people. They are very hands on and delivered in plain language that helps everyone understand. Each course can comfortably take 12- 15 people. Most can’t wait to get back home after the course, but Les adds that this is so that they can put their new found confidence and knowledge into practice!
Read some notes from this Orchard Workshop.
Outlined below is a typical one day course schedule:
10.00. Arrival and coffee
10.30 Introduction to the aims of the day by Les Davies
10.40. Presentation on the history of the apple tree, its propagation and management
11.10. Demonstration of grafting and budding
11.30 Pruning tools, their care and use
11.45. Visit the orchard to discuss tree and grassland maintenance
12.30 Lunch
13.15 Introduction to formative, maintenance and restoration pruning
15.15 Conclusions, tea and appraisal
15.30 Depart