This Berkshire Botanical Garden demonstration/workshop on Saturday, March 28 from 10 – 3 (snow date Sunday, March 29) will focus on the specifics of pruning stone and pome fruit trees and some small fruits, including cane fruits and ribes. Unlike ornamental woody plants, pruning for fruit is a special science that is designed to maximize fruit production. Learn the principles of pruning for shape, size and, most importantly, fruit production. Watch a structural pruning demonstration on newly planted fruit trees. Semi-dwarf orchard trees, including mature and newly planted trees, will be available for pruning. The workshop will take place offsite and participants should dress warmly and bring pruners and a bag lunch. $75 for BBG members, $85 for nonmembers. Register online at http://www.berkshirebotanical.org/event/pruning-for-fruit-production-pome-and-stone-fruit-trees-2/?instance_id=3300.

Steve McKay is the former Grape and Small Fruit Specialist for Cornell Cooperative Extension in eastern New York State. He has a B.S. in entomology from U.C. Davis and a M.S. in pomology. He own Micosta, a fruit nursery located in Hudson, NY. He specializes in traditional and unusual fruit tree and small fruits.