Orchard Rules

General Rules of the Southern Heritage Apple Orchard 

It is a privilege for Horne Creek Living Historical Farm to be home to the Southern Heritage Apple Orchard (SHAO).  To ensure the safety of the trees, as well as that of our visitors, members of the public are asked to abide by the following rules governing the orchard:

1. Please check in at the Horne Creek Farm Visitor Center prior to visiting the orchard. One of Horne Creek Farm’s staff members must be present in the orchard with visitors at all times.
2. With the exception of most major holidays, Horne Creek Farm is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday year-round. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  It is necessary for the Southern Heritage Apple Orchard to be sprayed at various times throughout the year, resulting in times when the public is not allowed to enter the area. Always call ahead to ensure the orchard is open: (336) 325-2298.
3. If you are interested in a particular variety of apple to eat or a tree to buy, or are just interested in a tour, call ahead to determine availability of products, the horticulturist’s schedule for the day, and weather conditions.
4. The public is not allowed to pick or eat apples from the trees, nor pick up apples off the ground. Improper picking can damage the trees. Moreover, the trees have been sprayed and must be washed prior to human contact or consumption. Harvesting apples from the ground increases the potential for e coli and other bacterial infections.
5. No one, other than the Southern Heritage Apple Orchard’s horticulturist and trained Horne Creek Farm staff, is allowed to cut scionwood in the orchard.
6. All water in the orchard is non-potable. Please do not drink from any of the water faucets or hand pumps.
7. No smoking in the orchard. It’s a fire hazard to the trees.  A designated smoking area behind the Horne Creek Farm visitor center is available for our guests.
8. Please do not remove tags on the trees growing in the orchard or from the trees which are for sale. 
9. Please do not allow children to venture on their own in the orchard. 
10. No pets other than service dogs are allowed in the orchard. Horne Creek Farm has a kennel and several animal crates available for your pet’s comfort. Site volunteers and site staff will keep an eye on your pets and provide fresh water for them while they are awaiting your return.
11. Please do not climb the trees or swing from their branches.  These activities may damage the trees.
12. Some areas are closed to the public for safety reasons.  Please do not enter any of these clearly marked areas.
13. Please refrain from climbing on any machinery, vehicles, or fencing.
14. Please do not throw, smash, or play with apples.
15. Dropped fruit attracts bees, Yellow Jackets, Japanese Hornets, and other orchard insects.  Don’t exacerbate the situation by swatting at them.
16. If you are allergic to bees, be sure to carry your EpiPen with you.
17. Please put all trash in appropriate trash receptacles.
18. Photography is allowed, but should not interfere with the enjoyment of other guests.
19. Professional photography is also allowed. Those interested should contact Horne Creek Farm and obtain a permit. A fee of $25.00 is charged for photography sessions in the orchard during hours of operation. After-hours photography sessions are charged at a higher rate for staffing purposes.  Please contact Horne Creek Farm Management to schedule.