Hazelnut plants and other nuttiness

[Justin Holt]

Hey y'all,

Wanted to share about several nutty things happening:

1) Cooperate WNC has a bulk purchase of the new, highly blight-resistant Rutgers hazelnut cultivars going on right now. We're getting 3 of the European hazelnut cultivars and The Beast, which is a hybrid. We're saving about 30% or more compared with retail prices for these plants. There's a lot of demand nationally for the plants and few nurseries offering them, so we're trying to get our order placed with the nursery ASAP. Currently planning to close the sale tomorrow, Oct 1 at 11:59pm. 

I get kinda giddy thinking about these primo hazelnuts getting spread throughout WNC. Not only for the food value, but also the increased potential for breeding some locally adapted hybrids with top-shelf nut genetics.

2) I'm giving a free webinar on an intro to growing hazelnuts tonight 9/30 at 7pm to help people get a better idea of why and how to grow hazels, what's involved, etc. There'll be some time for experienced growers to share some wisdom, so if you've learned a thing or two that you'd like to share, I hope you'll join. 

3) It's open season on nuts at Asheville Nuttery! Our hulling and delivery times are Saturday mornings 10-12:30pm, starting this Saturday. Details are here. 

4) We're doing a chestnut event at Long Branch Environmental Education Center on Oct 19, 1-3pm. I recommend checking it out if you haven't been there. Along with the chestnuts, they'll have u-pick fall raspberries and probably some other fruits. And there's a hike you can do from the center up to a little bald that I believe is the highest point in Buncombe County.