The Neighbouring Orchard book was launched on 1st September 2022.
Click here to buy a copy.
Fusing drawings, interviews with growers, archive maps and photography by Ellie J McMaster, the book tells the story of the creation of The Neighbouring Orchard as it takes root and becomes a vibrant network of trees, people, communities & wildlife. Published by Art Walk Press. The Neighbouring Orchard was made possible through funding from Creative Scotland, The National Lottery Community Fund and Common Good Fund, East Lothian Council.
The Neighbouring Orchard is a commission for Art Walk Projects – an art festival based in Portobello, a coastal suburb of Edinburgh. The project was launched in May 2020 and is a network of 160 apple trees planted in front and shared gardens, linking together different neighbourhoods and communities. Each of the trees is a variety which has historically been grown in the area.
The first batch of trees was planted in late 2020/ early 2021. Each is a variety which was previously grown in the area.
Each participant received an illustrated planting guide along with their tree, a stake and tie and some compost.
Each participant received an illustrated planting guide along with their tree, a stake and tie and some compost.
Installation at Art Walk Project exhibition space, September 2021. A map of the orchard is shown on the right.
Grower Portraits.
Interviews with individual growers, recording their experience as part of The Neighbouring Orchard. The interviews were printed onto illustrated, paper apple wrappers and handed out at the Art Walk Projects exhibition space.
Grower Portraits.
Interviews with individual growers, recording their experience as part of The Neighbouring Orchard. The interviews were printed onto illustrated, paper apple wrappers and handed out at the Art Walk Projects exhibition space.
Drawing Workshop
Observing and recording the young trees planted at Bellfield community centre.
Photo: Ellie J McMaster
Drawing classes were hosted on Zoom. This gave the growers a chance to meet each other and to record the progress of their tree.
Charcoal Making Workshop
Growers were invited to gather round the bonfire to learn how to make drawing charcoal from apple prunings.
A short audio piece exploring Portobello's historic orchards and how the Neighbouring Orchard will link together different neighbourhoods and communities. Written in September 2020. Listen here