This class will focus on planting and maintaining perennial fruit plants, especially types of fruits that are easier to maintain and are productive locally. The permaculture design approach of growing plants at mutually beneficial levels (heights) will be shown. The following topics will be included: locating, planting and pruning fruit trees; choosing a variety of fruit bushes (e.g., blueberries, bush cherries, raspberries, figs); establishing fruit groundcovers (e.g., strawberries, cranberries). Fruits freshly
picked are indescribably more delicious and, of course, are free when grown in your own yard. Establishing many types and varieties results in fresh fruit from early-Spring to late-Fall.

Dr. Donna Armstrong is a retired professor of epidemiology, specializing in social/environmental sustainability, community food security and food gardening. After retiring, she practiced sustainable farming in KY. She now practices permaculture design, urban food growing and community sustainability in Harrisonburg, VA.