WWFRF Display Garden

Members of the Western Washington Fruit Research Foundation are in the process of creating a seven acre Fruit Display Garden to allow the public to view successful fruit varieties developed for our Pacific maritime climate.  Organic growing methods are employed.

The basic plan features a central oval of natural meadow, enclosed by a surrounding pathway bordered on either side by a lane of fruit trees.  The inner-oval planting will consist of heirloom or "old-time" apples such as Esopus Spitzenberg, Yellow Newtown and others that were well known in early settlement orchards.  The outer-oval trees consist of various varieties of fruit recommended for our area, starting with apples to the North and peaches to the South, with pears, Asian pears, plums and cherries in between.

A roadway with parking spaces is planned to circle the entire garden, with nut, apple and stone-fruit trees spaced along the West and South sides.  Twelve separate plots were designed to demonstrate specific projects.  Areas are also set aside for arbors on which wine and table grapes, kiwis, and other vines can be grown.  Other projects include unusual fruits such as figs and paw paws, rootstock trials, special pruning methods, extensive espalier designs and ornamental-edible landscaping.

The project is well on its way, with the basic framework in place.  Mature trees from WSU Research plots have been added as they become available.  Work is continuing with volunteer interest groups beginning to form.  Our Spring and Fall field-day events will demonstrate pruning, grafting and tree-training  techniques.