Workshop: Learning to Bud Graft Fruit Trees
Bud-grafting is something that few amateur gardeners seem to attempt, yet the principle is relatively simple. Like many things, it just takes practice and understanding of the theory behind the magic! Learn how to propagate apple and pear fruit trees by bud grafting in this practical workshop.
These skills are useful to anyone who wishes to propagate fruit and ornamental trees in their garden or allotment
● Learn the technical theory behind budding to propagate onto a variety of rootstock to produce upright, cordon, espalier and step-over trees
● Practice cutting and preparing your chosen bud wood
● Take away information on the choice of rootstocks appropriate for your garden
● Learn how to sharpen and maintain your secateurs and garden knives
● Gain practical bud-grafting experience
You will go away with your own bud grafted apple or pear tree. This course is suitable for those who, while new to grafting techniques, have some basic gardening knowledge and experience. Those who are studying a Level 2 or Level 3 course will find this workshop particularly useful. The course also covers the maintenance and sharpening of grafting knives.
The practical elements of the course will not be suitable for those who have mobility problems with their hands/fingers. We will be using very sharp knives which should be handled with great care.
Bring along your own secateurs and pruning knives if you have them.
Meet Sarah Foss
Sarah began her gardening journey in 2005, working with disabled people helping them to overcome ongoing mental ill-health by accessing gardening. She went on to run gardening projects and sessional tutoring for Age UK Merton and EcoLocal teaching, before completing the RHS Level 3 Diploma in Horticulture, and working as a Senior Tutor, delivering horticultural training to disabled adults, and teaching City and Guilds Practical Horticulture Courses to Level 2. Sarah has completed her RHS Master of Horticulture degree course with distinction and was the recipient of the RHS Chittenden award for coming top of her year group, she continues to pass on knowledge by teaching at EcoLocal, Sutton Parks Department, Imperial College London, Merton College and Walworth Garden. Sarah also works for the RHS as an examinations officer and assessor. In her spare time, Sarah looks after her own garden and allotment and enjoys cooking, sewing and yoga.
Price: £85/ Free for Southwark residents
Free places are available for Southwark residents aged 19+. Each resident can claim 1 place per academic year (Sept 24- Jul 25). To check whether you are eligible, please click here.
To claim your free place, click ‘Book Here’ below, and enter code ‘SOUTHWARK25’ under ‘Redeem Coupon’. You will then be charged a £10 deposit in order to claim your place, this deposit will be refunded to you after you attend the workshop.
Please note that you will be required to fill in a Southwark Council form, including some personal information, in order to confirm your place on a workshop. Your place will not be confirmed until this has been completed in full.
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