Running head: PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS

Permaculture at the University of Victoria

Campus Community Gardens

By Jori Baum

University of Victoria

Environmental Restoration 390

For Dr. Val Schaefer

August 23rd

, 2012

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 2

Table of Contents

List of Figures & Tables .........………………………………………………… 3

Abstract ……………………………………………………………………….. 5

Introduction ……………………………………………………………………….. 6

The Site ………………………………………………………………. 8

The Study ………………………………………………………………. 13

Methods & Materials ………………………………………………………. 15

Perennial garden beds ………………………………………………. 15

Apple tree restoration ………………………………………………. 21

Invasive species removal ………………………………………………. 25

Results ………………………………………………………………………. 26

Discussion & Recommendations ………………………………………………. 30

Acknowledgements ………………………………………………………………. 32

References ………………………………………………………………………. 33

Appendix A: Permaculture garden beds – plant profiles

Appendix B: A step-by-step guide to apple tree pruning

Appendix C: Project budget

Appendix D: Field notes

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 3

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Locations of the old and new garden sites on campus …………………… 11

Figure 2. Site layout for the new McKenzie Ave CCG …………………………… 12

Figure 3. Perimeter measurements of the McKenzie Ave Garden site …………… 13

Figure 4. Shape and measurements of the permaculture guilds ................................ 16

Figure 5 and 6. Mapping out the perennial garden beds ............................................ 17

Figures 7, 8 and 9. Digging the hole, loosening the roots, and planting the first shrub 18

Figure 10. Basic layers of sheet mulching .................................................................... 18

Figure 11. Manure applied as first layer .................................................................... 19

Figure 12. Trench for weed barrier ................................................................................ 19

Figure 13. Newspapers act as the barrier layer ........................................................ 20

Figure 14. Leaves are the final layer after compost ........................................................ 20

Figure 15. Placing the remaining plants .................................................................... 21

Figure 16. A completely planted guild .................................................................... 21

Figure 17. Sheet mulching a small area .................................................................... 21

Figure 18. Plantings along the fence .................................................................... 21

Figure 19. The apple tree at the UVic CCG 2012 ........................................................ 22

Figure 20. Philip Young lectures ................................................................................ 24

Figure 21. Beginning to prune the apple tree .................................................................... 24

Figure 22. Working together to remove branches ........................................................ 24

Figure 23. Branches that have been removed .................................................................... 24

Figure 24. Rubus discolor on site at UVic CCG ........................................................ 25

Figure 25. Ilex aquifolium at Beacon Hill Park, Victoria BC ................................ 25

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 4

Figure 26. Volunteers working to remove invasive species at the CCG .................... 26

Figure 27. Root ball of a Rubus discolor that was removed ............................................ 26

Figure 28. Final site map of the SW corner ................................................................... 28

Figure 29. The three permaculture guilds ................................................................... 28

Figure 30. Locations of invasive species removed on site ............................................ 29

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. List of plants planted at the UVic CCG in the perennial garden beds ....... 27

Table 2. Timeline for restoring the CCG apple tree ....................................................... 28

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 5

Abstract

This paper summarizes an urban restoration project that examines ecological restoration as it

pertains to sustainable urban agriculture and environmental education. The project takes place in

Victoria, BC at the University of Victoria (UVic) Campus Community Gardens (CCG) and aims

to replace resource-intensive lawn with perennial edible garden beds, to restore a neglected apple

tree to a healthy fruit-producing state, and to remove invasive species in order to prevent their

further spread and to maximize the potential of desired species. The gardens have been an

important site for community engagement and education at the university since their induction in

1998. This project utilizes the CCG’s presence on campus to expand the university community’s

awareness around food security issues and provides volunteers with the opportunity to gain

hands-on experience with permaculture techniques. As a result of this project 13 perennial food

plants were established at the garden site, the apple tree underwent the first step toward

restoration, and all the invasive species growing on the site were removed. On-going

maintenance and management will be required to ensure the long-term success of this project.

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 6

Permaculture at the University of Victoria

Campus Community Gardens

Urban environments present a unique challenge to the field of restoration as they require

a balance between everyday human activities and the integrity of urban ecosystems. The way

that we utilize and transform urban spaces is not always in the best interest of the natural

environment. According to the Centre for Watershed Protection (Frazer, 2005), 65 percent of

North America’s total impervious cover is found in urban areas – roads, buildings, driveways,

and parking lots. Impervious surfaces eliminate rainwater infiltration and natural groundwater

recharge, altering the natural cycling of water and contributing to polluted waterways and

flooding. These surfaces also contribute to the heat island effect – lands that were once

permeable and moist are now impermeable and dry, and absorb and retain atmospheric heat

which leads to increased energy consumption for cooling which then increases carbon emissions

(EPA, 2012).

Another phenomenon common in urban landscapes is the prevalence of turf grasses.

Heynan, Kaika, and Swyngedouw (2006) estimate that 23 percent of the urban landscape is

covered in turf grasses – residential, commercial, and institutional lawns, parks, recreation fields,

and golf courses which often appear as monocultures. Milesi et al. (2005) show that total turf

grass cover in the United States is three times greater than any irrigated crop. Turf grasses are

energy and resource intensive and provide little or no habitat for urban dwellers – both human

and non-human. Challenging the ways that urban lands are used is central in urban restoration.

As fertile land is paved over and mono-cropped turf grass is cared for, a simultaneous

concern is growing around our food systems. The way we eat today is not sustainable and the

dominant system in place has many social and environmental repercussions. Western society has

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 7

industrialized the production of food and in turn has created a system dependent on fossil fuels,

chemical inputs, and cheap labour. Currently in Canada a large portion of the food we eat is

imported while most of the food we produce is exported (Elton, 2010). David Pimentel, a

professor of ecology and agricultural sciences at Cornell University, has calculated that it takes

1,514 litres of oil to feed the average North American (Elton, 2010). In other words, we are using

more kilocalories to grow and transport the food we eat than there are kilocalories in the food

itself – a system that is not sustainable. Evidently, as concerns for food security rise, the need for

lawns and impervious surfaces should be seriously questioned. In order to address the issues

presented by the global food regime, we must look to local and sustainable methods of food

production.

In her book Locavore, Sarah Elton (2010) states that a sustainable food system can

involve both food that is produced nearby as well as imports that are produced and transported in

a sustainable way. What about food grown in cities? Growing food in cities is not a new concept.

Poverty, not sustainability, drives less prosperous areas of the world to grow food in their cities.

In the Western world however, there is a rising ‘urban food revolution’ – different actions within

the city limits that aim to take control over the food that we grow and eat (Ladner, 2011).

Amongst these efforts is the rise of urban community gardens. Peter Ladner states that

community gardens often emerge in periods when people feel threatened by food insecurity –

“urban community garden food production has ebbed and waned in the United States in tune

with food shortages caused by depression or wars” (2011, pg. 182). For example, Victory

Gardens emerged in Canada during World War II and it is estimated that they accounted for as

much as 40 percent of the vegetable production in the country at that time. This reveals the

potential for food production in Canadian cities today.

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 8

Another concept that is taking shape within the urban food revolution is that of

“permaculture”. As outlined by David Holmgren (2003), permaculture is a set of principles that

guide a long-term or permanent way of living – both in terms of culture and agriculture. In order

to achieve this long-term agricultural system, the design for a permaculture site considers all

aspects of sustenance and life. The design will therefore often include food production, building

materials, water systems, and timber in a system that works in sync with the natural environment.

Whereas industrial agriculture is constantly fighting against nature by applying external inputs of

fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides, irrigation, etc., permaculture seeks to mimic natural systems

and maximize biodiversity. As Bill Morrison, co-founder of the permaculture concept, states –

“permanence and stability in a landscape are most easily achieved when one works with rather

than against ecological forces” (in Hemenway, 2009, pg. 44).

Taking into consideration the growing need for nutritious and healthy food that is grown

in a sustainable and organic way, urban and local food production can look to both community

gardens and permaculture. A system of local food production that does not completely rely on

imports and non-renewable resources will increase community food security and increase the

resilience of practitioners. For this project, I seek to incorporate permaculture concepts into an

existing community garden as a means to increase local food production, educate the garden

community on permaculture techniques, and improve the health and integrity of the urban

environment.

The Site

The site for this project is the University of Victoria Campus Community Gardens (UVic

CCG). The gardens were established on the university campus in 1997 following a proposal the

year before from the Environmental Studies Students Association (ESSA). The location of the

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 9

original garden site can be seen in Figure 1 below. The CCG began with two communal herb

gardens and 14 allotment plots and was run by a student coordinator whose position was funded

through ESSA. Each year the gardens continued to grow with more members and more

volunteers. Regular workparties began to occur on site, and some students used the space for

academic research while others used it to harvest food. A portion of the harvest was also donated

to the University of Victoria Student Society (UVSS) Food Bank. In 1999, ESSA dissolved its

activities and could no longer maintain the gardens. The School of Environmental Studies was

keen to see the garden remain in operation however was unable to provide funds to hire a student

coordinator. In order to keep the gardens running, students living in Student Family Housing

took over operations. A volunteer site coordinator was appointed among Family Housing tenants

and was responsible for day to day operations and with connecting with Facilities Management

as needed. During this time the gardens grew to 22 allotment and 12 communal plots.

In 2005 a task force was created in response to increasing interest in the CCG. Numerous

departments and students were looking to do research at the site, more students were showing

interest in volunteering, and the waiting list for allotment plots was growing. The group was

made of representatives from around campus, including Family Housing, and their first task was

to develop a purpose for the gardens. The result appears below (UVic CCG, 2005):

The purposes of the Campus Community Gardens are to:

Enhance the built environment at the University of Victoria

Provide allotment garden space for Family Student Housing tenants, undergraduate,

and graduate students at the University of Victoria

Provide volunteer opportunities for members of the campus and broader community

Provide a physical space for education and research on topics related to urban

agriculture such as food security, permaculture, composting, organic gardening,

native plant propagation and healthy eating

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 10

In 2008 the gardens were continuing to grow and required a new form of management

that would assist in the gardens development and ensure its long term viability. An executive

committee and UVSS club were created, which comprised a site coordinator, membership

coordinator, treasurer, and student club president and vice-president. This was the year that I

personally became involved in the gardens as a volunteer and in the two following years would

act as the club president. Weekly workparties were held at the garden site and were open to all

the campus community; regular educational workshops were also organized and ranged in topic

from composting and sheet mulching, to garden art and canning; we continued to donate food to

the campus Food Bank and we also participated in a fall weekly pocket market on campus.

The land where the gardens were located on campus was loaned to the CCG on contract.

After the first five years the contract was renewed and expired again in 2011. In 2010 the garden

committee was approached by the university and told that the space was going to be developed

as a storage facility. Luckily, the garden committee was successful in securing another piece of

land on campus for the new CCG. The new location also appears in Figure 1 below.

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 11

Figure 1. Locations of the old and new garden sites on campus.(source: Google Earth, 2012)

The design for the new garden site appears below in Figure 2. The land is university

property and has been maintained as turf grass by Facilities Management. It is located off of

McKenzie Avenue in Victoria, BC and therefore acquired the name McKenzie Ave Garden.

Using the ruler tool in Google Earth I calculated the approximate perimeter and area of the

McKenzie garden site. The borders of the site appear in Figure 3 below. Based on the

measurements of the perimeter, the area of this triangular shaped lot is calculated to be 3,600m2.

The new garden site is comprised of 90 plots, including individual allotment gardens, communal

plots for volunteers and food bank donations, and garden plots used by advocacy groups and

classes (The UVic Campus Community Gardens, n.d.).

LEGEND

Old garden site

New garden site

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 12

Figure 2. Site layout for the new McKenzie Ave CCG. (source: Facilities Management, 2011)

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 13

Figure 3. Perimeter measurements of the McKenzie Ave Garden site. (source: Google Earth,

2012)

The Study

Obtaining a new garden site was more difficult than I have described here. The university

administration was hesitant to approve a new garden location and the McKenzie Ave garden site

was actually destined to be beach volleyball courts in the future. Through hard work and much

dedication, the CCG executive committee was able to secure the McKenzie Ave site, but again

on lease. As the plans for the new garden site began to take shape, it became evident that a new

form of management was again necessary for a larger and more complex organization. A part-

time site coordinator position was created through funding gained from the UVSS. A larger site

also opened new possibilities for education and expansion of garden projects.

130m

90m

80m

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 14

Ladner (2011) identifies four overarching goals of community gardens: nutrition,

recreation, education, and community building – and the UVic garden committee was keen on

maximizing the value of each in order to prove their worth to the university’s administration.

Having this in mind, I approached the executive committee in the summer of 2011 with the idea

of integrating a food forest into the new garden site. Based on the resource management systems

of the ancient Mayan people of Mexico and Central American, a food forest is a low-

maintenance food production and agro-forestry system that mimics woodland ecosystems

(Crawford, 2010). Practitioners of food forestry incorporate food producing plants such as fruit

and nut trees, herbs, perennial and annual vegetable crops, with woody species that provide fuel

and shelter. The Mayan people recognized the benefit of working with nature to benefit from its

productivity and resources (Ford and Nigh, 2009). They consistently expanded their knowledge

of ecological processes and patterns, including weeds, pests, and soil conditions. Earlier

management strategies developed into “an integrated, productive, and flexible resource

management system [that]... provided for the subsistence needs of a growing population, as well

as supported the maintenance and regeneration of the landscape” (Ford & Nigh, 2009, p. 225).

Unfortunately, the university’s Facilities Management rejected our initial proposal for the

food forest as they did not want any trees planted on the site, considering trees to be too

‘permanent’. Therefore I turned to permaculture and perennial food gardening concepts and

techniques as a means to create a low-maintenance and food producing garden that did not

include trees. The new location already has a row of established trees that run North to South

along the perimeter of the garden and amongst these trees was a neglected apple tree that I

decided to include in the project as the fruit-bearing tree. I established three objectives for the

study: to replace resource-intensive lawn with perennial edible garden beds, to restore the

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 15

neglected apple tree to a healthy fruit-producing state, and to remove any invasive species from

the existing vegetation to prevent their continued spread. The objectives were to be met with an

overarching focus on education and community engagement, and with the help and input from

the CCG site coordinator and board of directors (of which I was a member).

Methods & Materials

In this section I will describe the methods and materials used for each component of the

project at the UVic CCG. The components are separated into the perennial garden beds, the

apple tree restoration, and the removal of invasive species. Although most of the materials were

gathered for free or by donation, and the labour was done by volunteers, I have included a budget

for the project in Appendix C.

Perennial Garden Beds

The CCG allocated the space in the SW corner of the property to the perennial garden

beds. To prepare for the design and construction of these beds, I spend several hours researching

permaculture, food forestry, and perennial plants that succeed on lower Vancouver Island. I also

met frequently with Andrea Zittlau, the CCG site coordinator at the time, and Solara Goldwyn, a

CCG volunteer with a Permaculture Design Certificate. On February 5th

, 2012 I performed an

initial site evaluation and, using a GPS borrowed from the Environmental Studies department,

determined the location of the garden beds to be N 48° 28.154’ and W 123° 18.927’ and the site

elevation to be 27m. Materials were gathered prior to the first workparty and included a compost

and soil blend purchased from a local landscape company, composted manure donated by Brenda

Beckwith an Environmental Studies professor, old newspapers gathered from the university’s

paper the Martlet, leaves gathered on site, and the acquisition of started plants purchased from

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 16

Cornucopia, a permaculture micro-nursery in Victoria. Tools and garden equipment were

provided by the CCG and included shovels, wheelbarrows, a lawn mower, rakes, watering cans,

trowels and gloves.

The first workparty took place March 8th

, 2012 and involved myself, Andrea, Solara, two

volunteers and Geoff Johnson, a local permaculture guru and owner of Cornucopia, who agreed

to lead the workparty free of charge. We began by mowing the lawn because it was quite long

and we could use the clippings as a nitrogen layer in the process. Next, with the help of Geoff,

we visualized how we wanted the space to look. Some considerations included shape and size,

and to make the space accessible and welcoming for people to use. We decided to create three

circular garden beds, or guilds as they are referred to in permaculture, and to measure them out

in an equilateral triangle as Geoff noted that people find symmetry more attractive. Guilds mimic

vegetation layers and will include a shrub layer surrounding a tree, with low growing plants or

ground covers surrounding them. Below in Figure 4 is the shape and measurements of the guilds.

Figure 4. Shape and measurements of the permaculture guilds.

1.2

m

1.2

m 1.2

m 4.0m

4.0m 4.0m

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 17

We proceeded by laying out the shape and size of the guilds with bricks before beginning

the process of garden bed creation. A ‘key hole’ was added at the front of each guild to provide

easy access to the plants growing near the centre. Below are photos of us mapping out the garden

beds.

Figures 5 and 6. Mapping out the perennial garden beds. (source: Jori Baum, March 2012)

We began by digging a hole and planting three shrubs that were planned for the centre of

each guild. To plant a shrub, we dug a hole twice the size of the pot the plant was growing in.

Once the hole was created, we removed all the grass and grass roots and used the sod to create a

small burm on the downslope of the hole by turning the sod upside down and forming a small

wall about 6-8” high – the burm is meant to help retain water around the plant. We then planted

each shrub by mixing the existing soil with a soil amendment that Geoff made from dried

seaweed, removing the plant from its pot and loosening the roots, then placing the plant in the

centre of the hole and tucking it in to the soil. Below are photos of Geoff planting the first shrub,

a goumi (Elaeagnus multiflora).

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 18

Figures 7, 8 and 9. Digging the hole, loosening the roots, and planting the first shrub. (source:

Jori Baum, March 2012)

The process we used to create the rest of the garden beds is a technique called sheet

mulching or lasagne gardening. This technique is meant to simulate the layering process that

leads to the natural creation of soil on the forest floor (Elevitch & Wilkinson, 1998). According

to Elevitch and Wilkinson “mulching improves nutrient and water retention in the soil,

encourages favorable soil microbial activity and worms, and suppresses weed growth” (1998,

n.p.). The image below displays the different layers recommended in sheet mulching.

Figure 10. Basic layers of sheet mulching. (source: Elevitch & Wilkinson, 1998)

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 19

We began by filling in the mapped out guild and surrounding the planted goumi with a

layer of composted manure about 4 to 6 inches deep. This layer is high in nitrogen and will help

stimulate microbial activity in the soil. We then dug a trench around the entire guild, about 6

inches deep, in order to prepare for the next layer - a double layer of newspapers, the weed

barrier layer. The trench is necessary for the barrier layer to act for the sides of the guild as well

as below. Next we placed a layer of compost and soil mix approximately 4 to 6 inches thick

again, covered in the final layer – 8 to 10 inches of dried leaves. The leaves act as the top

dressing or the organic matter that would naturally fall to the forest floor. Below are photos of us

applying each of these layers (all photos source of Jori Baum, March 2012).

Figure 11. Manure applied as first layer.

Figure 12. Trench for weed barrier.

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 20

Figure 14. Leaves are the final layer after compost.

Figure 13. Newspapers act as the barrier layer.

As this first workparty was primarily an educational opportunity whereby Geoff taught us

the basics of designing and building the permaculture guilds, we only completed the creation of

the first garden bed. On March 11th

, we held a second workparty that included myself, Solara,

Andrea and three additional volunteers – at this time we followed the same process to plant the

two remaining shrubs and to sheet mulch the two remaining guilds. As it was still early in the

growing season we decided to leave the mulched beds to ‘rest’ before we planted the plants

surrounding each central shrub.

On April 12th

, 2012 we held a third workparty to plant the remaining plants. Each plant

was selected by Solara and Geoff and was based on establishing a variety of plants to the garden

community, as well as considering what grows well in the local climate, and which plants grow

well next to others. We began by placing the plants in their pots in the location we thought we

might want to plant them in each guild. Once we had decided, we proceeded to plant each plant.

The weed barrier layer (newspaper) had not decomposed yet and so we used a gardener’s blade

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 21

to slice an X shape into garden bed. Again we removed each plant from their pot, loosened their

roots, and tucked them into their place in the guild. The plants were all watered on a near daily

basis while they were getting established. At this workparty we also created some smaller beds,

using the sheet mulching technique along the south fence, for some additional edible perennial

plants. Photos can be seen below (all photos source of Jori Baum, April 2012).

Figure 15. Placing the remaining plants. Figure 16. A completely planted guild.

Figure 17. Sheet mulching a small area. Figure 18. Plantings along the fence.

Apple Tree Restoration

As mentioned previously, the McKenzie Ave garden site has a row of existing vegetation

that runs North to South on the piece of land. The vegetation is a combination of coniferous

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 22

evergreens and deciduous trees and in the centre of the row is an apple tree – Figure 19 below is

a photo of the apple tree prior to pruning. With the help of Andrea, the CCG site coordinator at

the time, we were able to organize a fruit tree pruning workshop with Philip Young, a local fruit

tree enthusiast. The workshop took place on February 26th

, 2012 from 1 to 3pm at the McKenzie

Ave garden site and involved Philip, myself, Andrea, and 8 other attendees. The workshop cost

$5 per person and Philip was paid a stipend of $75. Although the focus of my project was on

restoring the apple tree, the workshop was generalized to fruit trees, and we did review the

pruning of the garden’s two year old fig tree as well.

Figure 19. The apple tree at the UVic CCG 2012. (source: Jori Baum, February 2012)

The workshop began with Philip discussing the basics of fruit tree pruning – why we

prune fruit trees, basic terminology and equipment, and how to prune fruit trees. I have organized

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 23

this information into a document for the CCG that appears in Appendix B. The information

Philip presented is based on the book “The American Horticultural Society Pruning and

Training” guide book by Christopher Brickell and David Joyce. Based on this book and the tree

types identified therein, Philip diagnosed the apple tree on site as ‘neglected’. This tree had not

been pruned for fruit for years and therefore it was necessary to take certain steps when pruning

in order to restore the tree to a fruit-producing state. He estimated that the tree would need about

two to three years before the CCG gardeners could prune for fruit.

After the lecture component of the workshop, we set to work pruning the apple tree. The

materials that we used included a step and orchard ladder, gloves, pruning or bypass sheers, anvil

pruners, pruning saws, loppers, and secateurs. The tools were supplied partially by the CCG, by

Facilities Management, and by Philip. Philip recommended pruning tools that are sharp, light,

and that always have a safety guard.

In general, we begin pruning to control for shape and size and to open out the tree for

access to fruit. The first step to pruning is to take out the deadwood, the suckers, and the

watershoots. Next, take out any crossing branches. Then look to shape the tree – look for

openness and size to encourage easy access to the fruit. Finally, we prune for fruit – for an apple

tree you take the new fruit bud growth and cut the branch in half. Cut the branch at an angle that

you want the new growth to grow, always cut to another bud, branch or to the trunk, and always

cut just above a joint so as not to damage the joint nor to leave any deadwood behind. Philip also

stated that the rule of thumb is to remove no more than twenty percent of a tree each year.

Because the apple tree on site was neglected, we were only able to clear dead and dying

branches and to control for crossing branches. See the results section for future pruning of this

apple tree. As this was a hands-on workshop, we worked in groups or pairs and removed the

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 24

dead, dying or crossing branches that Philip recommended, using the appropriate tool – mostly

the ladders, loppers and pruning saws. We also took turns pointing out branches we thought

should be removed. See Figures 20 to 23 below for photos of the workparty (all photos source of

Jori Baum, February 2012).

Figure 20. Philip Young lectures. Figure 21. Beginning to prune the apple tree.

Figure 22. Working together to remove branches. Figure 23. Branches that have been removed.

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 25

Invasive Species Removal

Amongst the existing vegetation at the McKenzie Ave site, I noted that there were some

invasive species that were growing in the understorey. During the summer of 2011 I worked for

the Surrey Natural Areas Partnership in Surry, BC removing invasive species from the regional

parks. This experience taught me how to identify and remove common invasive species on the

West coast of British Columbia. The invasive species that I identified growing on site included

Himalayan blackberry (Rubus discolor) and English holly (Ilex aquifolium). Photos of these two

species appear below.

Figure 24. Rubus discolor on site at UVic CCG. Figure 25. Ilex aquifolium at Beacon

(source: Jori Baum, 2012) Hill Park, Victoria BC.

(source: Newell, 2005)

The removal of these species at the CCG took place over two workparties, March 25th

,

2012 and April 18th

, 2012. As part of the regular workparties that take place at the CCG, I

organized some volunteers to remove the blackberry and holly as well as clean up garbage in the

existing vegetation areas. Based on my own knowledge and verified by the information found on

the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia’s website, both species were removed using

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 26

shovels and hand pruners, and digging out the entire root system of the plants. Blackberry has

sharp thorny branches and vines through other existing plants therefore it is easiest to prune the

branches down to the base of the plant, pull the vines loose manually by wearing leather gloves,

and then dig the root ball out with a shovel. Similarly, cut holly back to the base of the tree using

pruners or a pruning saw, depending on the size of the plant, and then dig the root ball out using

a shovel. All debris was left on a tarp and disposed of by Facilities Management. Figure 26 is a

photo of volunteers working to remove blackberry and holly, and Figure 27 shows the root ball

of a blackberry plant that was removed (all photos source of Jori Baum, 2012).

Figure 26. Volunteers working to remove invasive

species at the CCG.

Figure 27. Root ball of a Rubus

discolor that was removed.

Results

As a result of this project, thirteen new edible plants were planted at the garden site, the

first step to renewing the apple tree was made, and all the invasive species growing on site were

removed. Volunteers and garden members had the opportunity to learn new techniques, such as

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 27

those involved in building the permaculture beds and pruning the fruit trees, and so we also

succeeded in our underlying goals of community engagement and education.

Below is a list of the plants that were planted and have become established at the UVic

CCG. Appendix A includes the profile for each plant including its habitat, physical

characteristics, edible and medicinal uses, and harvest details.

Table 1. List of plants planted at the UVic CCG in the perennial garden beds.

LATIN NAME COMMON NAME

Allium schoenoprasum Chives

Cynara scolymus Globe artichoke

Elaeagnus multiflora Goumi

Fragaria chiloensis Coastal strawberry

Lyncium barbarum Gojiberry or wolfberry

Morus alba White mulberry

Oxalis tuberosa Oca

Ribes nigrum Black currant

Rubus nidigrolaria Jostaberry

Sambucus nigra Elderberry

Symphytum officinale Comfrey

Tropaeolum tuberosum Mashua or anu

Valeriana officinalis Valerian

Figures 28 and 29 (drawn by Jori Baum, April 2012) display the final site map and

individual maps for each of the perennial garden beds. These maps are currently located on the

bulletin board at the UVic CCG to assist garden members in identifying and locating each plant.

As previously mentioned, Appendix A includes all the additional information for each species

that will be used to assist garden members and staff in caring for and harvesting these plants.

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 28

This project allowed the garden community to explore the techniques of permaculture and guild

building, and increased the capacity to produce food on the UVic campus. These plants are

perennials and will continue to grow each year and provide food for the garden and campus

community.

Figure 28. Final site map of the SW corner. Figure 29. The three permaculture guilds.

According to Phillip Young, it will take three seasons for the CCG’s apple tree to be

ready to prune for fruit. Below in Table 2 is a timeline for the next three years on how to

continue restoring the apple tree and preparing it for pruning for fruit.

Table 2. Timeline for restoring the CCG apple tree.

YEAR ITEMS

Year 1

(2012) Clear dead and dying branches

Control crossing branches

Remove <20%

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 29

Year 2

(2013) Clear dead and dying branches

Remove watershoots and suckers

Control crossing branches

Remove <20%

Year 3

(2014) Clear dead and dying branches

Remove watershoots and suckers

Control crossing branches

Remove <20%

Start to control for fruit buds: cut new growth to half its length at a bud

and at the angle you want the branch to grow

post 2014 Continue as in year 3

Remove <20% each year

Finally, all of the invasive species growing on site were removed thanks to a group of

volunteers who participated in the workparties to remove the plants. Below in Figure 30 is a

basic map of the locations where we removed the two species on site – Himalayan blackberry

and English ivy. Removal of invasive species will allow the desired plants to succeed as they

will not be competing with the invasive species. Also, controlling unwanted species regularly

will decrease the likelihood of those species spreading into other areas of the garden.

Figure 30. Locations of invasive species removed on site (source: Jori Baum, 2012)

N

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 30

Discussion & Recommendations

Ensuring the success of this project will require on-going maintenance and management

from the garden staff and community. The plants in the perennial garden beds will need to be

cared for and harvested to encourage growth and food production. The three guilds that we build

in 2012 are flexible in that additional plants, particularly low growing species or ‘filler’ species,

can be added to increase food production and biodiversity. Regular documentation of plants that

are added to the guilds should be carried out so that as garden members and staff change, a

record is kept to ensure on-going maintenance and care. The idea of a food forest involves more

than 13 plants and there is much room to grow and space to expand at the McKenzie Ave garden

– to create a larger food forest or permaculture garden. At this stage in the development of the

plots, only edible and medicinal plants were added, but a food forest often includes other species

for building material and fuel, which could potentially be added to the site.

It will be necessary to follow the instructions provided by Philip Young, which appear in

Table 2, in order to restore the apple tree to a fruit-producing state. I would recommend

acquiring a copy of the Brickell and Joyce guidebook, which will not only help to maintain the

apple tree but will provide additional information for other fruit trees on site. Having a healthy

and productive apple tree at the UVic CCG will provide more educational opportunities for the

garden community – for example, the CCG could host a canning workshop utilizing the apples

grown on site. Food preservation is another important skill to increase food resilience and food

security in a community.

As previously stated, the removal of invasive species increases the health of the

vegetation on site as it eliminates the need for other plants to compete for resources with those

invasives – such as for soil nutrients, water, and sunlight. Managing their spread will also

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 31

decrease the chance that they will grow and affect other areas of the gardens, as well as the

campus environment in general. Regular workparties should include tracking and removing the

growth of invasive species. The CCG could utilize this opportunity to teach others about native

and non-native plants, and perhaps include students from other faculties, such as the Restoration

of Natural Systems students, in identifying and removing invasive species in the future.

Overall I believe this restoration project was a successful endeavour for the UVic CCG. It

was a great educational opportunity and those who participated learned about sheet mulching,

permaculture, planting shrubs, edible perennial plants, fruit tree pruning, fruit tree restoration,

and invasive species management. Therefore, it succeeded in meeting our goals of increasing

food production on campus as well as providing an educational opportunity to the university

community. There is a great amount of existing literature on all of the techniques practiced in

this project, therefore maintaining and researching these methods will be easy for those involved

in the CCG in the future. It will be key for the board of directors and staff to maintain

documentation on the care and maintenance of the perennial garden beds as well as the pruning

of the apple and fig trees. Increasing food production on campus increases our community’s food

security and sharing the knowledge gained through projects like this can also increase others’

ability to grow food and become more self-sufficient. This project thus meets all the needs and

purposes of the community gardens as well as my goals of increasing local food production,

educating the garden community on permaculture techniques, and improving the health and

integrity of the urban environment.

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 32

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the UVic Campus Community Gardens for allowing me to explore

permaculture techniques at their site. Special thanks to Andrea Zittlau, site coordinator 2011-

2012 and the UVic CCG Board of Directors for their insight and guidance, Philip Young for

teaching us how to restore our apple tree, Geoff Johnson for sharing his expertise on

permaculture and getting us started on our permaculture beds, and Solara Goldwyn for being my

co-pilot throughout the project.

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 33

References

Brickell, C. & Joyce, D. (1996). The American horticultural society pruning and training guide

book. New, NY: DK Publishing Inc.

Crawford, M. (2010). Creating a forest garden: Working with nature to grow edible crops. Totnes, UK: Green Books.

Elevitch, C. & Wilkinson, K. (1998). Sheet mulching: Greater plant and soil health for less

work. Retrieved from http://agroforestry.net/pubs/Sheet_Mulching.html

Elton, S. (2010). Locavore: From farmers’ fields to rooftop gardens – how Canadians are

changing the way we eat. Toronto, ON: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.

Environmental Protection Agency. (June 21, 2012). Heat island effect: Basic information.

Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/hiri/about/index.htm

Facilities Management. (July 4, 2011). McKenzie ave garden. Adobe Reader file.

Ford, A. & Nigh, R. (2009). Origins of the Maya forest garden: Maya resource management.

Journal of Ethnobiology, 29(2), 213-236.

Frazer, L. (2005). Paving paradise: The peril of impervious surfaces. Environmental Health

Perspectives, 113(7), 456-462.

Hemenway, D. (2009). The urban permaculture project: Design principles and concepts.

Pomona, 42 (3), 43-49.

Heynan, N., Kaika, M. & Swyngedouw, E. (2006). In the nature of cities: Urban political

ecology and the politics of urban metabolism. Abingdon, OX: Routledge.

Holmgren, D. (2003). Permaculture: Principles and pathways beyond sustainability. Hartford,

VT: Chelsea Green Publishing.

Ladner, P. (2011). The urban food revolution. Gabriola Island, BC: New Society Publishers.

Milesi, C., Running, S. W., Elvidge, C. D., Dietz, J. B., Tuttle, B. T., & Nemani, R. R. (2005). Mapping and modeling the biogeochemical cycling of turf grasses in the United States.

Environmental Management, 36(3), 426-438.

Newell, K. (2005). Ilex aquifolium: English holly. Retrieved from

http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/ShowDBImage/ShowStandard.aspx?index=1216

The UVic Campus Community Gardens. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from

http://web.uvic.ca/~ccgarden/about-the-garden

PERMACULTURE AT THE UVIC CAMPUS COMMUNITY GARDENS 34

UVic CCG. (2009). Background information. Word document.

Appendix A

Permaculture Garden Beds – Plant Profiles

Note: Victoria, BC plant hardiness Zone 9a

*All information gathered and compiled from the Plants for a Future website www.pfaf.org and Garden Guides www.gardenguides.com

Latin Name Common Name(s)

Allium schoenoprasum Chives Habitat Physical Characteristics

native to Europe, Asia and North

America

rocky pastures and damp meadows prefers well-drained soil but can grow

in heavy clay

hardy to zone 5

perennial bulb growing to 0.3m by

0.3m; bulbs divide rapidly and large

clumps are quickly formed leaves are long and cylindrical;

flowers are round and purple

plant is self-fertile

Edible and Medicinal Uses Harvest Details

flowers, leaves and root are edible leaves can be eaten raw, cooked, or

dried for later – mild onion flavour

good source of sulpur and iron whole plant has beneficial effect on

the digestive system and blood

circulation juice of the plant can be used as an

insect repellant

flowers are less desirable but can be dried or used as a garnish

flowers from June to July; seeds ripen from July to August

edible leaves are available late

summer to early winter; tolerant of heavy harvesting; regular cutting of the

leaves ensures a continuous supply of

young leaves and prevents the plants flowering

Latin Name Common Name(s)

Cynara scolymus Globe artichoke Habitat Physical Characteristics

a cultivated plant not known in the

wild

prefers well-drained, moist soils and can grow in saline soils

requires full-sun

can tolerate strong winds but not maritime exposure

hardy to zone 6

perennial growing 1.5m by 1m

thistle-like plant with edible flower

buds; flower buds arise on end portions of main and lateral stems; buds that are

left on the plant open to 12cm purple-

blue flower plant is self-fertile

Edible and Medicinal Uses Harvest Details

flowers, leaves and stem are edible

flower buds can be eaten raw or

harvest before plant flowers in

August

cooked, usually boiled before eaten;

flavour is mild baby artichokes produced on lateral

stems are good in soups or stews

leaves are best harvested before the plant flowers; eaten fresh or dried

stems are peeled and eaten raw or

cooked; mild nutty flavour cynarin is found in the leaves, and can

improve liver and gall bladder function,

stimulate secretion of digestive juices, and lower blood cholesterol levels

green bracts fold around a purple-

blue flower; base of each bract is the fleshy edible portion

artichoke is ready for harvest when it

has reached maximum size, but before the bracts open

best to renew plants by division of

suckers every 3 years

Latin Name Common Name(s)

Elaeagnus multiflora Goumi Habitat Physical Characteristics

native to East Asia prefers well-drained soil and can grow

in nutritionally poor soil

naturally growing in thickets and thin woods in hills and on lowlands

hardy to zone 6

deciduous shrub growing 3m by 2m can fix nitrogen with certain soil

bacteria

leaves are small and elliptical; flowers are four-lobbed and pale

yellow; fruit are oval and scarlet red

plant is self-fertile

Edible and Medicinal Uses Harvest Details

fruit and seeds are edible, raw or

cooked good dessert fruit; easily made into

pies, jams, jellies, or pickled

rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E,

flavanoids and other bio-active

compounds studied as a food that is capable of

reducing the incidence of cancer and as

a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers

the leaves can be used to treat coughs

fruit must be fully ripe to be enjoyed

raw; very acidic if picked too early each fruit contains a single large seed

take care when picking the fruit as it

is quite easy to damage the young shoots

an excellent companion plant – when

grown in orchards it can increase fruit production by 10%

can be used for cuttings after 4 years

Latin Name Common Name(s)

Fragaria chiloensis Coastal strawberry Habitat Physical Characteristics

Beach strawberry

grows from Chile to western North

America prefers well-drained moist soils

shade and wind tolerant; does not

tolerant maritime exposure hardy to zone 4

perennial ground cover growing to

0.3m; plant grows by means of runners plants are dioecious – individual

flowers are either male or female and

therefore one of each plant is required for pollination; also pollinated by

insects

fruit are large and red flowers are small and white

Edible and Medicinal Uses Harvest Details

fruit and leaves are edible

fruit are sweet and succulent; can be

eaten raw or cooked; good for making desserts and preserves

leaves can be dried for tea

plant is antiseptic and astringent; has been used to regulate the menstrual

cycle; poultice of the chewed leaves has

been used to treat burns

plant tends to bloom in mid-spring

and fruit are usually ready in early

summer division of runners can be done in

July or August to allow for plant to

become established for next season

Latin Name Common Name(s)

Lyncium barbarum Gojiberry Wolfberry

Habitat Physical Characteristics

native to China and Tibet

grows in most soils; plants have an

aggressive root system and are drought tolerant once established

prefers maximum sunlight for fruit

production but will tolerate part shade hardy to zone 5

a deciduous perennial

berries grow along the branches of a

shrub; 1.5 to 4m long vines berries are oblong and bright red

Edible and Medicinal Uses Harvest Details

berries can protect the liver, boost

immune function, improve circulation,

improve sexual function and fertility rich in antioxidants; particularly

carotenoids; can help eyesight

high in vitamins, minerals and proteins

plants begin to fruit after 2-3 years

harvest berries from late summer

until first frost fruit can turn black when handled so

consider shaking berries gently from

the plant onto a sheet placed beneath prune lightly in early spring to

remove dead or crossing branches;

pruning will help stimulate fruit

Latin Name Common Name(s)

Morus alba White mulberry Habitat Physical Characteristics

not known in a truly wild environment

growth range from central to northern

China prefers moist soil but can tolerate

drought; cannot tolerate maritime

exposure hardy to zone 4

deciduous tree growing to 18m

flowers in May; seeds ripen July to

August plant is monoecious – flowers are

either male or female but both are

found on one plant; plant is self-fertile ‘white’ in the plants name refers to

the leaf buds; fruit are dark red to black

Edible and Medicinal Uses Harvest Details

fruit, leaves, and inner bark are all

edible; fruit can be eaten raw or dried; better dried

inner bark can be roasted and ground;

can be used as a thickener in soups or mixed with cereals for making bread

leaves are antibacterial and astringent

leaves are taken internally for the treatment of colds, influenza, eye

infections and nosebleeds

stems can be used to relieve toothache fruit can be used in the treatment of

dizziness, insomnia, diabetes, asthma,

and coughs

harvest all parts of the plant

pruning should only be carried out when plant is dormant; mulberry bleeds

quite badly if cut when not dormant

should be pruned to a low bush to improve access to fruit

Latin Name Common Name(s)

Oxalis tuberosa Oca Habitat Physical Characteristics

native to south America – Columbia and Peru

prefers moist well-drained soils and

requires full sun hardy to zone 7

perennial growing to 0.5m potential for high yield and less

susceptible to pest and disease than a

potato; more hardy than a potato flowers are hermaphroditic and

pollinated by insects

Edible and Medicinal Uses Harvest Details

cultivated for the edible tubers

tubers can be eaten raw or cooked;

they have a lemon flavour when harvested fresh and turn sweet if left out

flowers from July to August

ready to harvest in the fall (late

September); harvest is done as late as possible but before the first frost

in the sun

prepared in similar ways to a potato source of carbohydrate

leaves should only be eaten in small

quantities as they contain oxalic acid which can bind up calcium in the body

and lead to deficiency

can be propagated by tuber or by way

of cutting

Latin Name Common Name(s)

Ribes nigrum Black currant Habitat Physical Characteristics

native to Europe – Britain,

Scandinavia, south to France and north

Asia prefers moist well-drained soil and can

grow in part shade; shade inhibits fruit

production hardy to zone 5

deciduous shrub growing to 1.8m

fruits are black and grow to 10mm in

diameter leaves are large and light green

flowers are hermaphroditic and are

pollinated by bees; self-fertile

Edible and Medicinal Uses Harvest Details

fruit and leaves are edible fruit can be eaten raw or cooked; good

raw or used in pies and preserves

good source of vitamins and minerals; rich in Vitamin C

leaves can be used in soups or dried

for tea fruit and leaves are diuretic

fruit can increase resistance to

infections and used to treat colds oil from the seeds is used in skin

preparations and cosmetics

Pruning usually consists of removing about a third of all the stems from just

above ground level in the autumn

older stems with the least new growth are removed as they will produce the

least fruit

fruit is ready to harvest June through September

Latin Name Common Name(s)

Ribus nidigrolaria Jostaberry Habitat Physical Characteristics

prefers moist well-drained soil but is

more tolerant of conditions than most berries

hardy to zone 3

deciduous shrub growing to 2m

a cross between a blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) and a gooseberry (Ribes uva

crispa)

berry is black and smaller than a gooseberry but larger than a blackberry

Edible and Medicinal Uses Harvest Details

fruit can be eaten raw, used in pies,

preserves, juice or wine

rich source of Vitamin C

an early berry; ready to harvest by

June when the berries are almost black

best to harvest in dry conditions

Latin Name Common Name(s)

Sambucus nigra Elderberry Habitat Physical Characteristics

native to sub-tropical regions

grows natively in North America grows in rich moist soil along stream

banks and rivers

tolerant of part shade and wind but not maritime exposure

hardy to zone 3

deciduous shrub growing 4m by 4m

flowers are hermaphroditic and are pollinated by insects

fruits grow to 5mm in diameter and

are borne in clusters

Edible and Medicinal Uses Harvest Details

*leaves and stems are poisonous

fruit can be eaten raw or cooked – good for pies, preserves, sauces, wine

the liquor Sambuca is derived from the

oil of the seed fruit may be more desirable dried

fresh juice of the fruit and a tea made

from the inner bark and roots can be used as a laxative and diuretic

tea made from root bark promotes

labour in childbirth; can also treat headaches and kidney problems

inner bark is applied as a poultice on

cuts and sores leaves and inner bark of young shoots

can act as an insect repellant

flowers in July and seeds ripen in

September fruit ready to harvest in late summer

or early fall

berries, leaves, inner bark and roots can all be harvested

Latin Name Common Name(s)

Symphytum officinale Comfrey Habitat Physical Characteristics

native to Europe – Britain,

Scandanavia, and south to Turkey often found growing in damp shady

environments – woods, meadows, near

streams and rivers prefers moist soils and some shade

grows well in heavy clay soils

hardy to zone 5

perennial growing to 1.2m

flowers are hermaphroditic and are pollinated by bees

plants can be invasive

Edible and Medicinal Uses Harvest Details

leaves can be eaten raw or cooked

raw leaves are hairy and should be chopped up and added to foods

young shoots can be eaten like asparagus

leaves and roots can be dried for tea

roots can be peeled, cut up and added to soups or stews

roasted roots are used with dandelion

and chicory roots for making coffee roots are the most active medicinal

part of the plant – used internally or

externally roots used externally as poultice on

cuts, bruises, sprains, eczema

roots and leaves are mildly astringent use caution when taking internally

leaves are harvested in early summer

before the plant flowers; roots are harvested in the autumn; both are dried

for later use flowers bloom from May to June and

seeds ripen from June to July

Latin Name Common Name(s)

Tropaeolum tuberosum Mashua

Anu

Habitat Physical Characteristics

native to south America – Bolivia and

Peru naturally occurring at high elevations,

on mountain slopes and in valleys

prefers shaded roots and sunny upper; sensitive to too much sun

hardy to zone 8

perennial climber growing to 2m

supports itself by climbing up other plants

flowers are hermaphroditic and are

pollinated by insects tubers can grow up to 10cm long and

5cm thick

the growing plant is very resistant to pest and disease

Edible and Medicinal Uses Harvest Details

flowers, leaves, and roots are edible

tubers are eaten cooked and have a peppery flavour; flavour can be

improved by freezing the tuber after it

has been cooked and it becomes sweet high in Vitamin C

leaves are eaten raw as a vegetable

flowers from June to October and

seeds ripen from June to October tubers may be more flavourful if

harvested after a light frost

tubers can be harvested from late summer into the fall

Latin Name Common Name(s)

Valeriana officinalis Valerian Habitat Physical Characteristics

native to central Europe can be found in grasslands, scrub, and

woods

grows in damp or dry soils; avoids acidic soils

thrives in full sun or part shade

hardy to zone 5

perennial growing to 1.5m flowers are hermaphroditic and are

pollinated by bees, flies and beetles

flowers are light to dark purple

Edible and Medicinal Uses Harvest Details

*prolonged medicinal use of this plant

may lead to addiction seeds are edible; can be parched and

eaten

essential oil made from leaves and roots used to flavour ice cream, baked

goods and condiments

used in medicine for its tranquilizing properties – relieves anxiety, encourages

sleep, improves sleep quality, can reduce

blood pressure used internally for menstrual cramps

and irritable bowel syndrome

flowers from June to August and

seeds ripen July to September when grown for its medicinal root,

valerian should not be allowed to

flower roots can be harvested after two years

roots can be harvested in the fall

when the leaves have died down

Appendix B

Why do we prune? There are two main goals when pruning an apple tree:

First, pruning when the tree is dormant (from December to February) will invigorate the tree, causing it to

grow more in the following season;

Second, pruning to create a balance between shoots produced this year and shoot produced last year. Fruit is

produced from shoots in the second year or later so this will ensure a crop of apples in the current year and

one for the next year.

When do we prune? When the tree is dormant – from December to February

How do we prune? Step 1: Remove deadwood, suckers, and watershoots

Step 2: Take out crossing branches

Step 3: Control for shape and size – look to open the tree up and keep it at a height that is accessible

Step 4: Prune for fruit – cut new growth to half its length at a bud and at the angle you want the branch to grow

*Make multiple gradual cuts on the branch you are removing until you reach the branch collar

*Always prune to a bud, another branch or to the trunk and cut parallel to the branch collar

*Only remove 20% or less of the tree in any given year

Terminology: Deadwood ~ dead or dying material

Suckers ~ the new growth at the base of the tree

Watershoots ~ the new growth at the top of the tree

Branch collar ~ the ring shape where a lateral branch grows from main branch

Tools you might need:

Step ladder and orchard ladder Anvil pruners Pruning saw Loppers

Bow saw Secateurs

Pruning shears Gloves

We prune to:

Increase fruit production

Control disease

Control size of the tree

To open the tree to air and light

To remove wood we don’t want,

and increase wood we do want!

Correct & Incorrect Pruning: From Bob Polomski Extension Consumer Horticulturist, Clemson University (2001).

http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/vegetables/tree_fruits_nuts/hgic1351.html

Resources: Brickell, C. & Joyce, D. (1996). The American horticultural society pruning and training guide book. New York, NY:

DK Publishing Inc.

Forest Services. (1995). How to prune trees. Retrieved from

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_prune/prun001.htm

Appendix C

Project Budget

*A budget of $500 was allocated to this restoration project by the UVic Campus Community

Gardens Board of Directors. A total of only $321.95 was spent as we tried to gather most materials by donation or free of charge.

ITEM COST

Apple tree pruning workshop

- honorarium for the instructor

$75

Guild building

- mulch (compost and soil blend)

$48

Perennial garden beds

- first 3 shrubs

$115

Perennial garden beds

- all the rest of the plants

$75

1 bag of sea soil $8.95

TOTAL $321.95

Appendix D

Field Notes

*See attached papers for set of original field notes.