[Bcma-l] Heritage Orchards

[bcma-l@museumsassn.bc.ca]

Is there anyone out there in museum/historic site land who has knowledge 
of and deals with the care, maintenance, interpretation and programming 
related to a heritage orchard? How do you do it? What resources do you 
have or know of?  Do you work with volunteers, local, community experts, 
contractors, food banks or others?

The Historic Stewart Farm has an orchard with 28 varieties of heritage 
apple, pear and plum trees.  Our greatest challenge is maintaining the 
health of the trees and surrounding landscape with limited resources. 
I'm looking to hear how others have may have approached maintaining the 
health of the trees through proper pruning practises, grafting, dealing 
with pests, disease, etc.  The apple harvest in the fall is the largest 
programming component leading up to our annual Apple Day event that 
brings in close to 200 people. The apples are used for sampling, 
cooking, making cider, and drying.

Any information that can be shared is greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

Lana Panko, Curator
Historic Stewart Farm, Elgin Heritage Park
13723 Crescent Rd.
Surrey, BC,  V4P 1J4
phone:  (604) 591-4797
fax:      (604) 591-4789
e-mail:  lmpanko@surrey.ca