I am a journalist, filmmaker and urban orchardist. I created OrchardPeople.com because it was exactly what I needed when I planted my first fruit trees in 2009.
Check out my award-winning resources including:
My in-depth fruit tree care articles
My monthly fruit tree care radio show and podcast in which I interview experts in fruit tree care.
My five-star-rated online courses.
My three fruit tree care books including the award-winning book Growing Urban Orchards.
Watch the video below to learn more about me and my story!
Many people know me as a fruit tree care influencer who creates award-winning educational resources on fruit tree care. But my journey began in 2009 when I co-founded the Ben Nobleman Park Community Orchard in Toronto.
Early on, our young trees suffered from slow growth, poor production and pest and disease challenges. So I used my background as a journalist and BBC-trained media professional to take a deep-dive into organic fruit tree care.
I read countless fruit tree care books, interviewed experts, and found mentors. Eventually, I developed an effective approach to growing healthy, organic fruit trees which I share in my courses at Learn.OrchardPeople.com.
In this video, Harold Thornbro of RedemptionPermaculture.com interviews me about the lessons I have learned over the years. Harold is a wonderful interviewer...I hope it inspires you!
Click on any podcast to listen.
Each hour-long episode is a lesson in fruit tree care!
For a full list of podcasts visit Podcast.orchardpeople.com.
I am a dynamic and entertaining educational speaker and have given fruit tree care talks across North America at conferences for The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and other organizations.
Secrets of Fruit Tree Care
Winter and Summer Fruit Tree Pruning
Protecting Fruit Trees from Pests and Diseases
Urban Orchard Design
Choosing Easier-to-Grow Fruit Trees
Explore all my topics in more detail on my keynote speaker page. I have done talks for the following organizations.
Over the years I was honored with a number of awards for my work from GardenComm (formerly the Garden Writer's Association).
Complete Fruit Tree Grafting and Budding, Online Course Silver Laurel Media Award 2024: Special Projects.
The Urban Forestry Radio Show & Podcast, Silver Award of Achievement 2021: Radio Program Overall
OrchardPeople.com, Gold Award of Achievement 2021 Website, Individual: Overall
The Urban Forestry Radio Show & Podcast, Silver Award of Achievement 2017 Podcast Series: Overall
OrchardPeople.com, Silver Award of Achievement 2017 Website, Individual: Overall
Growing Urban Orchards, Silver Award of Achievement 2014 Book Writing: General Readership
OrchardPeople.com Online Fruit Tree Care Training, Silver Award of Achievement 2014
OrchardPeople.com Online Fruit Tree Care Training Silver Award of Achievement 2015
Do you want to interview me for your podcast or publication? I'd love to hear from you. I can cover fruit tree pruning, pest and disease prevention, fertility management, fruit tree cultivars, rootstock choices and lots more. Contact me below!