Learn how to design, implement and maintain your backyard orchard. This workshop is suited to anyone looking to grow fruit in courtyards, backyards or larger acreages. You’ll come away with an overview of what’s important (and what’s not!) when planting and maintaining a backyard orchard.

This workshop will give you an introduction to:

Fruit tree selection and why we use grafted trees
Different types of fruit trees and how their requirements vary
Orchard design considerations
Espaliers
Edible Forest Gardens
Soil preparation and planting of fruit trees
An overview of fruit tree pruning strategies
Common pests and diseases

At the end of the workshop you will understand the basics of Backyard Orchards, how to prepare and plant one in your own backyard.

Excellent course. Very focused relevant useful information, interestingly presented. Valuable course notes to take home. Can highly recommend.

Mischa G.

Backyard Orchards Workshop particpant

A set of notes will be provided to all participants

The class will involve a combination of theory and demonstrations in a classroom setting. We will also tour my orchard to discuss aspects of fruit growing.

What to Bring:

Enthusiasm for learning
Notepad and Pen
Your lunch
Water bottle
Closed toed, practical shoes
Warm clothes as Kyneton can be very cold in winter

This is an all-weather event with many of the demonstrations conducted outside.

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 12 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.

"An engaging and informative workshop pitched at the various levels of those attending … not dumbed down and not overly “sciency” … something for everyone. The opportunity to ask questions along the way was appreciated and added immensely to the experience. I look forward to completing other workshops later in the year as Duncan’s style of both teaching and gardening resonates."

Corrina L.

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. 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 my workshops. I look forward to hosting you at this exciting event.

Cancellation Policy:

If the workshop cannot go ahead due to unforeseen circumstances then an alternative date will be scheduled and participants will be given the option to attend on the new date or accept a full refund. Otherwise, to maintain viability of these workshops, there are strictly no refunds. Thanks for your understanding.

Backyard Orchards: Design, Implement and Maintain