Understanding that the underlying principles of plant physiology can make all the difference to the activities we perform in the garden. Knowing the function of apical meristems and how they relate to pruning, will finally give you the confidence to tackle those fruit trees.

We will explore the functions of the cambium layer, bark and heartwood to discover how they relate to grafting, plant health and diseases.

Topics covered:

Fruit Tree Pruning Timing
Pruning Equipment
Types of Pruning Cuts
Disease Prevention
Pruning Different Types of Trees
Setting up and Maintaining Espaliers

This workshop looks at plant structures and using that knowledge in planning gardening activities. It involves a combination of theory in a classroom setting and hands-on practical activities in our orchard including:

Setting up espaliers
Pruning of fruit trees

By the end of the class you will have the skills and confidence to successfully propagate plants via cuttings and to tackle the pruning of fruit trees.

"Great topic today with lots of guidance on the subject of manipulation & pruning. Duncan’s style provides lots of thought provoking moments & encouragement to work things out with new knowledge gained. Highly recommended."

Diane P.

Workshop participant

What to Bring:

Enthusiasm for learning
Your lunch
Water bottle
Notepad and Pen
Closed toed, practical shoes (consider bringing gumboots)
Appropriate Clothing as Kyneton can get very cold and wet in winter

About the facilitator

I’m Duncan Cocking and I’ve been growing fruit and vegetables since I was four years old. I support others to grow food and reconnect with nature through my business Leaf, Root & Fruit. I'm passionate about reconnecting you to nature via gardening. I write about growing food and living sustainably. I'm a cool-temperate gardener and permaculture educator with 10 years of experience hosting workshops.

During my classes, I focus on the science behind how gardens grow. This gives you an understanding of the built-in resilience of plants. Rather than always finding problems to fix with sprays and other products, you will have a renewed focus on relaxing, observing your garden, and enjoying it. Understanding “why” minimises the amount of work you have to do in your garden.

“Fabulous workshop. You know your material so well and are able to deliver it in easily digestible form. I learned things I didn’t realise I needed to know. I loved having the science explained to counter some of the gardening folklore I’ve accepted without questioning…”

Wendy P.

Workshop participant

About the facilities

In 2019 my young family and I moved from Melbourne to make a tree change to Kyneton, a small town 80 km north-west of the city in Victoria, Australia. Since then, I have been busy developing a permaculture-inspired garden ecosystem.

The property has an onsite classroom, with heating supplied by a wood burner. A split system acts as a back-up source of heating and cooling. The light filled, colourful classroom is kitted out with a large screen for running presentations (I promise that these presentations are almost entirely pictures and rarely contain words). The classroom has basic tea and coffee making facilities, ample car parking and a dedicated toilet.

My demonstration orchard contained within a netted enclosure provides opportunities for workshop participants to explore all aspects of growing fruit trees, and contains many examples of espaliered trees. I have designed and planted an extensive berry patch, market garden beds and edible forest gardens. The kitchen garden demonstrates food growing in a more typical backyard setting.

Participants from all over the state attend our workshops. I look forward to hosting you at this exciting event.

Fruit Tree Pruning and Plant Manipulation