If you are a serious orchardist or perhaps a curious hobby gardener, Home Orchard Society provides you with the best source of information and knowledge, mixed in the context of like-minded friendships, to make fruit growing an enriching experience.
The Home Orchard Society, established in 1975, is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to assisting both novice and expert fruit growers, preserving heirloom fruit varieties, and promoting the science, culture, and pleasure of growing fruit at home.
In May of 1975 a group of hobby orchardists gathered at Larry McGraw's experimental garden in southeast Portland. Out of this event, 59 charter members grew a new nonprofit, educational and self-help organization that today has well over 700 members scattered worldwide. The vision of "growing good fruit at home" has taken root.The Home Orchard Society promotes the science, culture and pleasure of growing fruit at home via educational outreach and assistance. The Home Orchard Society serves the Pacific NW community and beyond by providing accessible resources to and hosting learning events for fruit growers of all skill levels. The Home Orchard Society endeavors to preserve disappearing heirloom fruit varieties, perpetuating the history, culture and heritage of the Pacific NW's 19th and 20th century pioneer orchards.
Knowledge at home. Receive the HOS quarterly publication offering articles on technical, historical, and practical aspects of growing fruit.
Knowledge in progress. Learn at the HOS experimental orchard. See old and new fruit varieties, training techniques, plant combinations, edible landscaping, pest control, and more.
Knowledge on hand. Access the HOS library with its wide collection of rare, historical, and modern printed and video materials.
Knowledge you want. Purchase HOS publications, Extension Service bulletins, and horticulture books.
Knowledge in person. Meet experts, make friends, learn to grow good fruit.
Knowledge applied. Participate in any of the HOS summer field trips to various orchards and gardens.
Knowledge anytime. Click into HOS news, articles, tips, and events on this website.