In a recent post I gave a review of The Holistic Orchard. While writing my post for that review I discovered there was a
book, so naturally I checked it out from the library too! I've been reading it for about two months now, it seems, and have learned an amazing amount of knowledge!
Let me summarize and leave you with this...
(I don't have any affiliate links or any affiliation with Michael Phillips (yet) btw)
He covers so much I won't even try to describe it... but here's what the Amazon description has to say:
"
Many people want to grow fruit on a small scale but lack the insight
to be successful orchardists. Growing tree fruits and berries is
something virtually anyone with space and passionate desire can do -
given wise guidance and a personal commitment to observe the teachings
of the trees. A holistic grower knows that producing fruit is not about
manipulating nature but more importantly, fostering nature. Orcharding
then becomes a fascinating adventure sure to provide your family with
all sorts of mouth-watering fruit.
The Holistic Orchard
demystifies the basic skills everybody should know about the
inner-workings of the orchard ecosystem, as well as orchard design, soil
biology, and organic health management. Detailed insights on grafting,
planting, pruning, and choosing the right varieties for your climate are
also included, along with a step-by-step instructional calendar to
guide growers through the entire orchard year. The extensive profiles of
pome fruits (apples, pears, asian pears, quinces), stone fruits
(cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums), and berries
(raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, gooseberries, currants, and
elderberries) will quickly have you savoring the prospects.
Phillips completely changed the conversation about healthy orcharding with his first bestselling book, The Apple Grower,
and now he takes that dialogue even further, drawing connections
between home orcharding and permaculture; the importance of native
pollinators; the world of understory plantings with shade-tolerant berry
bushes and other insectary plants; detailed information on cover crops
and biodiversity; and the newest research on safe, homegrown solutions
to pest and disease challenges.
All along the way, Phillips'
expertise and enthusiasm for healthy growing shines through, as does his
ability to put the usual horticultural facts into an integrated ecology
perspective. This book will inspire beginners as well as provide deeper
answers for experienced fruit growers looking for scientific organic
approaches. Exciting times lie ahead for those who now have every reason
in the world to confidently plant that very first fruit tree!"
