2023 Kurle Memorial Lecture
Presented as a 3-part Zoom series. These Zoom sessions can be accessed through Zoom.us or the Zoom app.
Session #1. Ronald Perry
Professor Emeritus Ronald Perry, Retired Chairman of the Horticulture Department of Michigan State University, returns to the Kurle Lectern to provide espalier growing techniques and to discuss his recent book, Espalier Fruit Plantings for Northern Gardens: Creating Fruit Trees (May 17, 2022). Dr. Perry has more than 50 years of experience in fruit research and is recognized as a leading tree fruit pomologist due to his pioneering activities in support of the Michigan apple and cherry industries. Dr. Perry’s research includes rootstock selection, soil management, and fruit tree production.
Date: Sunday, February 19, 2023
Time: 1:00 p.m. CST
Zoom Meeting ID: See Grapevine Update notice or Members Only page.
Session #2. Christy Wilhelmi
Christy Wilhelmi is the driving force behind Gardenerd. Her obsession with gardening began in 1996 on the balcony of her Los Angeles, California apartment. She specializes in small-space, organic fruit and vegetable garden design, consulting, and classes. Between 70-80 percent of her family’s produce comes from her garden of less than 300 square feet. She is the author of several books, including Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden (Cool Springs Press, April 2021).
Date: Sunday, April 23, 2023
Time: 1:00 p.m. CST
Zoom Meeting ID: See Grapevine Update notice or Members Only page.
Session #3. Amy Irish-Brown
Amy Irish-Brown, retired Extension Commercial Tree Fruit IPM Educator, at Michigan State University reprises her participation in the Kurle lecture series to discuss research-based growing techniques and options for conventional and organic growers. With 32 years of experience advising growers, Amy provides important insights about the 2023 growing calendar as well as relevant academic projects underway at the University. Mechanical, chemical, and biological strategies for fruit diseases and pests for home-based orchardists are all on the menu.
Date: Sunday, April 30, 2023
Time: 1:00 p.m. CST
Zoom Meeting ID: See Grapevine Update notice or Members Only page.
The Kurle Memorial Lecture is offered annually in honor of Bob and Mary Kurle, conveners of the Midwest Fruit Explorers. Bob was known as one of the top fruit and nut enthusiasts in the U.S. He networked actively with fruit and nut growers all over the world. In the 1970s, Bob’s displays at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show focused the interest of ordinary gardeners on dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees, hybrid nuts, and promoted growing the best fruit varieties suited to the Chicagoland area. He appeared in Organic Gardening and the Chicago Tribune.