WINSTON-SALEM — The Old Salem Department of Horticulture has scheduled fall garden workshops. The workshops are free and open to the public.

To pre-register for any workshop, please email vhannah@oldsalem.org or call 336-721-7357 (leave a message if no one answers) to register. To join Friends of the Gardens, call 336-721-7333.

Searching for Lost Heritage Apples, Thursday, Oct. 13, noon-1 p.m., Wachovia Room, Old Salem Visitor Center, 900 Old Salem Road. An intensive 18-year effort has led one man to the re-discovery of more than 1,000 heritage apple varieties across seven Southern states. Discover new, old apples and learn about the efforts to preserve them. Presented by Tom Brown, retired engineer and Heritage Apple sleuth. Attendees may bring lunch; beverages provided.

Artisan Cheesemaking—Honoring & Preserving Old Fashioned Skills, Saturday, Oct. 22, 10-11 a.m., Wachovia Room, Old Salem Visitor Center, 900 Old Salem Road. Explore the ancient skills of artisan cheese making as they are used on Piemonte Farm where time-honored European technique produce unique and delicious product. Presented by Fabian Lujan, co-owner with Sandra Sarlinga of Piemonte Farm.

18th-Century Shrubs for 21st-century Gardens, Thursday, Oct. 27, noon-1 p.m. Wachovia Room, Old Salem Visitor Center, 900 Old Salem Road. The same qualities that endeared shrubs to our ancestors are still important to plant lovers today, and many of these early introductions are easy to find in local nurseries. Learn how shrubs were used historically and how these old garden favorites will work in your landscape now. Presented by Camilla Wilcox, avid researcher and gardener and retired Curator of Education for Reynolda Gardens of Wake Forest University with a museum education career that began in 1976 at Old Salem. Attendees may bring lunch; beverages provided.

Heirloom Plants of Old Salem—Preserving a History of Beauty & Utility,  Thursday Nov. 3, noon-1 p.m. Wachovia Room, Old Salem Visitor Center, 900 Old Salem Road. In this video presentation, the work of Old Salem Horticulture is revealed through history and application.

Learn how Old Salem’s gardeners determine which heirloom plants to preserve and how they obtain these plants. Explore some of the flowers, herbs, vegetables, and grains grown in the Gardens of Old Salem. Video followed by Q&A with Horticulture Staff.

Presented by Ellen McCullough, Flower and Herb Manager and Eric Jackson, Heritage Gardens and Outreach. Attendees may bring lunch; beverages provided.

“Today’s Special–Chestnuts”

Saturday, November 12 from 10 – 11 a.m.

Single Brothers’ Workshop, 10 W. Academy Street

Once a mighty forest tree, the American chestnut was devastated by a fungal disease in the early 20th century. Recent restoration efforts are gaining ground, including work at High Rock Farm. Learn about the American chestnut tree, the blight-resistant Dunstan Hybrid, and High Rock Farm Chestnut Orchard. Sample chestnut flour cake and roast fresh chestnuts! Presented by Richard Teague, owner of High Rock Farm, Rockingham County.

Herbs and Handmades through Time

Saturday, November 19 from 10 – 11 a.m.

Wachovia Room, Old Salem Visitor Center, 900 Old Salem Road

Herbs and handmade items have a history that is cherished today. Especially during the holidays, historic methods and traditions are popularly practiced. Learn about traditional uses and how they work for you today—just in time to think about your gift giving! Presented by Elizabeth G. Morgan Herbalist/Apothecary, Dandelion Soap Herb Shop, Germanton, North Carolina.