Heritage apple trees are an important part of the gardening landscape in the Haliburton Highlands. We are pleased to be partnering with the University of Guelph to identify and inventory the heritage varieties throughout the county in 2022. Through the heritage apple project, we will work with local residents to increase knowledge about these historic trees, and collect and submit leaf samples to the university for DNA testing to identify varieties. We will use this information to help local gardeners preserve the trees that they have and propagate new cultivars. This will ensure that we can continue to enjoy these remarkable old trees for generations to come.
You can become part of this project by attending the free information sessions. If you have old heritage trees on your property, you can submit leaf samples for testing ($25 per tree) and have your trees added to the inventory map.
Become part of the initiative to preserve and propagate heritage apple varieties in the Haliburton Highlands!
For more information:
- Join us on Sat. May 14 at the library information session;
- Drop by our information table at the Haliburton County Master Gardeners Plant Sale on May 28 at Head Lake Rotary Park in Haliburton;
- Watch this site for updates;
- Contact us at appleproject@haliburtonmastergardener.ca
Upcoming Event!
Information Session: Topics to be covered in this workshop will include:
• A short history of apples
• Basics of apple reproduction
• How to differentiate between heritage and feral varieties
• Ways to preserve the old trees on your property
• Sources of new heritage cultivars
• Procedure for having your trees DNA tested through the University of Guelph
Date: Saturday, May 14 at 2:00PM
Location: Minden Branch of the Haliburton County Public Library
Cost: FREE Workshop, DNA testing $25 per tree
View our Event Calendar HERE

Who's Behind The Project?
The Haliburton County Master Gardeners have partnered with Dr. Brian Husband and the University of Guelph. More information on the Ontario Heritage and Feral Apple project can be found HERE.