Here in the Asheville NC area, Hickory Nut Forest is demonstrating organic cultivation. Surrounded on three sides by over 800 acres of conservation land Hickory Nut Forest is a place to come, to live and to thrive in a serious relationship with nature. Take for example heirloom apples:
"Roughly nine out of ten apple varieties historically grown in the U.S. are at risk of falling out of cultivation and falling off our tables," the Buena Vista Social Club of Forgotten Fruits will tell you.
"Some 15,000 to 16,000 apple varieties that have been named, grown and eaten on the North American continent, only about 3,000 remain accessible through nurseries."
"Perhaps just as problematic, "says Gary Nabhan
" the dramatic loss of traditional knowledge about apple cultivation and varietal usage that has occurred over the last half century. The skills of grafting, pruning and preparing apples in diverse ways are as endangered as the apples themselves."
Enter Ryan Lubbers who oversees organic cultiavation at Hickory Nut Forest. Ryan tells me:
"Currently our organic 10 acre apple orchard with 115 trees and seven varieties plus a small organic vineyard." (see photo) " This year we hope to develop up to three organic vegetable gardens and implement a permaculture design plan which will incorporate a diverse array of perennial food-producing plants such as strawberries, asparagus, figs, muscadine grapes, Asian pears, persimmons, goumis and a variety of others."
That's cause to celebrate.
Here is a photo taken at the heirloom apple orchard at Hickory Nut Forest. Beautiful. Inspiring.
Welcome to the Honey Bear Orchard at Hickory Nut Forest Eco-Community. Honey Bear Orchard is at the heart of this beautiful eco-community, with old-time varieties of organic golden and red delicious, romes, and winesaps.
2010 is the "Year of the Heirloom Apple". Proudly, Hickory Nut Forest is restoring heirloom apple varieties here in the Asheville, NC area - reviving culinary traditions associated with American apple culture. Food, farming, environmental and culinary advocates can gather at Hickory Nut Forest to enjoy and celebrate America's heirloom apples right there-in the old apple orchard they are tending with loving care. (See fun applefest video)
Have you had an heirloom apple lately??
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Asheville NC Real Estate: LAND and LOT EXPERTS- Going Green/ Eco-Friendly Properties. Tools for Sellers and Buyers. Mountain Homes, Land Legacies, LOTS and Land For Sale by Owners.
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(*)/'(*) .......... ............" We are on the roll for sustainable innovation." Heirloom Apples- Hickory Nut Forest- Asheville Style© 2010. Asheville NC Real Estate Unauthorized reproduction of any information on this site is a violation of existing copyright laws. All rights reserved.
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