Field graft a wild pear; learn a widely applicable grafting method.
Cost: $40.
Description: This workshop will include a review of the tools, techniques and benefits of bark grafting. Each participant will have the opportunity to try making a graft. We will also observe one- and two-year-old grafts to see how they grow.
Grafting is a horticultural technique of joining two plants together in order to benefit from the positive traits of the two plants. For example, invasive Callery (commonly called “Bradford”) pears are vigorous but they make tiny, inedible fruit. By cutting this tree and grafting on wood from a fruiting pear, we can produce good fruit on a strong existing root. This grafting method is useful for several other types of plant, including Prunus. Do you have a pretty but useless flowering cherry near you? Graft it into a fruiting cherry or plum!
Try out grafting pliers, which allow a person to precisely join together two stems approximately ¼” thick, a useful method for a variety of species and situations.
Lead Instructor: Lincoln Smith
Location: Forested in Bowie, MD. Be sure to read how to get into the site here. Google Maps by itself will not get you here.
Qualifications: Participants should feel comfortable working outside in any weather. Some heavy lifting might be required. Grafting requires using a sharp grafting knife. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Sturdy footwear is required as well as appropriate outdoor clothing. Please bring a pair of work gloves and pruners if you have them.
Benefits:
- You could transform invasive and ornamental plants to fruit-producers in your neighborhood!
- Learn and practice a valuable horticultural skill.
- Meet people with similar interests in forest gardening and permaculture.
Registration: Pay below or email Lincoln to let us know you're coming if you prefer to pay in person.
Work Trade: Cash is prefered to help us continue to develop the forest garden, but we accept 4 hours of volunteer work, or the $40 class fee, or any combination or the two. Email Lincoln to inquire about a work trade.
