"Farmers' markets and local eating might have revolutionized the way we look at food, but many of us can't identify the fruit trees in our yards or declare a berry safe to eat. Those plants, and the people who planted them. are often forgotten. In The Fruitful City, Helena Moncrieff investigates the origins of these living heirlooms, their decline into raccoon fodder, and the urban harvest renaissance that is putting rescued fruit to good use. As she travels across Canada, slipping into backyards, visiting community orchards and taking in canning competitions, Moncrieff asks, Can city-grown fruit address hunger, waste, and food illiteracy? What can a fig, plum or apple tree teach us about our history, our communities, and each other?"--Back cover.

Introduction : Francesco's Fig -- 1. Putting down roots : immigrants arrive bearing fruit -- 2. Planting seeds : the Victoria fruit tree project -- 3. Up a tree : the experience -- 4. The fruits of our labor : sharing the bounty -- 5. Urban orchards : the community heads back outside -- 6. Withering on the vine : the slide to food illiteracy -- 7. Wassail : celebrating under the trees -- Conclusion : Waiting for spring.