{ The text reflects his infectious enthusiasm, his deep understanding of the positive and negative impacts of natural organisms on his trees, and his commitment to hard work and critical thinking. Apple trees rate at the very top, having led this lad to write a book called The Apple Grower and another called The Holistic Orchard based on lessons learned at his own Lost Nation Orchard in northern New Hampshire. window.mc4wp.listeners.push( var username = 'Michael'; Since 1984, Chelsea Green has been the leading publisher of books about organic farming, gardening, homesteading, integrative health, natural building, sustainable living, socially responsible business, and more. This "organic apple everything" weekend at the farm around bloom time with Michael inspires people to pursue their own orchard dreams. International orders can be placed by phone (802-295-6300) or email. I have become more conscious of the trees, the soil, the humus, the pathogens and the beneficials as one integral system which I steward as the grower. His tireless research has provided a road map to creating our own holistic orchards." The author presents a challenge to backyard fruit growers and community orchardists to produce healthy, quality fruits organically. His Lost Nation Orchard is part of the Holistic Orchard Network, and Michael also leads the community orchard movement at www.GrowOrganicApples.com. Beginning with a fascinating explanation of forest-edge ecology—which defines where fruit trees thrive best—Phillips moves into topics like fungal dominance, haphazard mulching, pulsing agents, and more. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Phillips' orchard philosophy- learned from keen observation and reflection- will fall and clobber you like a giant Newtonian apple; then, your walk through the orchard will never be the same. --Guy Ames, orchardist and tree fruit specialist with ATTRA, the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service, "The Holistic Orchard is a stimulating account of fruit production from a biological rather than chemical approach. He argues that orchard success begins with a deep understanding of soil health and forest-edge ecology. Anyone visiting GrowOrganicApples.com is by all means encouraged to ask one question of Michael in this lifetime. All along the way, Phillips’ expertise and enthusiasm for healthy growing shines through, as does his ability to put the usual horticultural facts into an integrated ecology perspective. var username = 'Michael'; event : evt, Michael's workshops (see an updated schedule here) point the way for organic fruit growers to meet their unique site challenges. We will update you how things are in our orchards about picking apples and pears. Digesting this book is like tasting a delectable new apple variety for the first time." What distinguishes this book from other organic guides is the author's ecological approach. Enter your email to subscribe to updates from Chelsea Green(function() { --Bill MacKentley, St. Lawrence Nurseries, "The words 'holistic' and 'comprehensive' barely do honor to Michael Phillips' scope in The Holistic Orchard. The book describes the trek from healthy soil to healthy people, with great fruit all along the way. We cookies in order to give you the very best experience and support our mission.