The Nashi Orchard of Janice Higgison will be the backdrop for learning how to move from a single species orchard to a polyculture orchard. Stefan Sobkowiak will show the benefit of using a diversity of tree species and understory plantings to increase returns through greater yields and reduced inputs. Participate in the design, planning and first steps of implementing the transition of this orchard.

You will need to bring lunch (to share if you wish), notebook, camera and a map of your property. Come ready to participate in both presentation style and hands on experiential learning guided by Stefan and others.

Catherine Dunton-McLeod and Kazel Cass have agreed to join us for the events in the Bay. Catherine runs Plenty Permaculturre, and Kazel (B.Hort) has designed and taught Level 4 Horticulture at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. They will both support Stefan, and represent a store of local knowledge!

Cost

$250 per person for the two days ($40 early bird discount available up to Feb 15th).

$135 per person if you can or want to only attend one day

Two 2-day internships are available on application

Time: 9:00am - 5:30pm each day

What to expect

The workshop will be tailored to participants interests, but you can expect an introduction to permaculture-inspired orchard systems to be followed by in depth learning and practical activities:

  • The economics of a commercial permaculture orchard
  • The Magic Model design process - this is why you'll need your property map
  • Three essentials to a vibrant soil
  • How your orchard can benefit from birds, insects and animals
  • How to see your orchard - develop new observation skills
  • Choosing a site - learn some things you may not have thought about
  • Planting techniques - do it right, do it once
  • Propagation & Grafting - grow your plant stock economically

An open-house potluck meal (public invited) will round out the second day and give you a chance to connect with other people in your area.

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Stefan Sobkowiak is a synergist, permaculturist and irrepressible optimist - a man outstanding in his field. Over the last 25 years he has spoken to more than 400 groups on the themes of edible gardening, landscape design, birds and permaculture.

As a University sessional lecturer for 8 years Stefan has taught courses in Fruit production, Landscape plants and design and the Natural History of Vertebrates.

He has a Master’s in landscape architecture from the University of Guelph (Canada) and a Masters and Bachelors in wildlife biology and wildlife management respectively, from McGill University (Canada).

Stefan has 20 years experience serving over a hundred clients through his landscape design practice, specialising in attracting bird, insect and animal allies into his designs.

Over the last 6 years he has focused on Miracle Farms, the largest permaculture fruit orchard in Eastern North America, where he also raises fowl and sheep.

On this page you will find a short video in which Stefan introduces the concepts of the Permaculture Orchard - Beyond Organic.

Stefan will be on tour in New Zealand between March 15 and April 9, 2015. For more information visit www.beyondorganicnztour.com or contact James Samuel on 021 252 0653 or via james@foodforest.co.nz.

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The Beyond Organic NZ Tour is being supported by the following organisations