People interested in making the most out of their backyard fruit trees, or planning how to plant their own fruit trees, can learn some of the basics today. A mid-morning workshop will cut into the principles of grafting.
"Come on out and learn this fascinating art. You will be supplied with your own rootstock and choice of scions to create your own tree to take home," said Ranjit Gill, executive director of the Prince George Railway and Forestry Museum, where the workshop will be held.
"Most fruit trees do not grow true from seed," Gill explained. "In order to maintain a variety, a scion must be taken from one tree and grafted to a separate rootstock. This was common knowledge at one time and everyone for thousands of years knew how to do it. Grafting was used to change the variety of a tree, add more than one variety to a single tree or to fix damage caused by rodents."
Participants need to bring only thick gloves to protect themselves from cuts and a sharp pocket knife. A Swiss Army or Leatherman type is recommended but "anything sharp will work," according to Gill.
The workshop happens from 10 a.m. until noon and the cost is $25. Please email [email protected] or call 778-349-3711 to confirm your attendance.
