About this episode
Sam Van Aken is an award winning artist and an associate professor in the Art Department of Syracuse University who uses grafting techniques to create his "Tree of 40 Fruit" art installations across North America. His trees will grow multiple different types of fruits including peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, cherries and almonds. Additional resources: To see a 10-minute video excerpt from the show, click here . This month's recommended resource: The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2021 Garden Guide The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website http://www.orchardpeople.com . Formerly known as the Urban Forestry Radio Show, from germination in January 2016 until December 2023, we have grown over the years, thanks to the collective knowledge and collaboration of our monthly guests, organizations, and audience from around the world. We offer something for everyone to support your fruit tree care journey, whether you prefer to learn through listening, watching, and/or reading. RADIO SHOW and PODCAST - FOUR WAYS TO TUNE IN Join our live show on the last Tuesday of every month at 1:00 PM ET and submit your questions and comments! Can’t make it live? No worries – catch the podcast later. Here’s how: Live Audio: Listen on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM on Tuesday Live Video: Watch live on the Orchard People YouTube Channel at 1:00 PM on Tuesday Audio Podcast: Download the podcast after the show Video Podcast: Watch the recorded video on our YouTube Podcast Playlist NEWSLETTER Do you want to learn to grow fruit trees successfully, organically, and beyond? Sign up for the free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/ PREMIUM EDUCATION For premium fruit tree care education, visit https://learn.orchardpeople.com/ if you are ready to dig deeper and further your relationship with your fruit trees. CONNECT AND GROW WITH US You can also connect with us in the various communities listed below in the footer! Let’s grow together. (00:00) - Introduction to Fruit Tree Planting (01:19) - Introducing the Tree of 40 Fruit (01:49) - Meet Sam Van Aken (02:36) - The Art and Science of Grafting (06:10) - Exhibiting the Tree of 40 Fruit (08:07) - Grafting Techniques and Challenges (08:55) - Listener Questions and Expert Answers: rootstock, interstock, history and surprising downside of multi grafted trees (18:56) - Global Interest and Community Feedback (22:14) - Exploring Stone Fruits and Grafting (23:45) - Challenges of Growing Fruit Trees (27:02) - Grafting Techniques and Compatibility (31:22) - Customization and Historical Projects (33:38) - Indoor Fruit Tree Cultivation (35:19) - Art and Horticulture: A Personal Journey (39:19) - Final Thoughts and Audience Questions