The beginnings of the creation of the "largest orchard in Europe" date back to the reign of Queen Bona, who was famous for her passion for gardening, including fruit growing. In 1545, she received large tracts of land in the Grójec district, which she later took care of, establishing numerous privileges for the owners of gardens. Then, fruit growing found legal support in the royal act of 1578, issued by Queen Bona's son. This gave rise to the development of fruit orchards, mainly apple orchards. Many historical works contain numerous mentions of the development of manor and peasant orchards in the Grójec region. A significant role in the history of "Grójecki apples" was also played by clergymen (Roch Wójcicki from Belsk, Niedźwiedzki from Łęczeszyce, Stefan Roguski from Goszczyn and Edward Kawiński from Konary), who in the 19th century were the main promoters of fruit growing in this region.
At the beginning of the 20th century, commercial orchards were already established, the symbol of which was Jan Cieślak from Podgórzyce. He introduced high culture in the cultivation and storage of apples (in 1918 he built the first fruit storage facility in Poland).
At the beginning of the 20th century, the first advisors also appeared, and one of the most famous from this region was Witalis Urbanowicz, who in 1909 became famous for developing the 10 gardening commandments.
The very dynamic development of Grójec fruit growing, synonymous with Prof. Szczepan Pieniążek, began at the end of World War II. Thanks to him, the Institute of Pomology and Floriculture was established, which passed on the latest knowledge and experience in apple cultivation to local fruit growers. On the professor's recommendation, his student, Eligiusz Gajewski, founded the Experimental Plant of the Institute of Pomology and Floriculture in Nowa Wieś. This plant became a model farm from which Grójec fruit growers drew practical knowledge.
Translated by Google •
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