HARD GRAFT!

Hello, and welcome to the Crown Nursery blog.

On Wednesday the 11th of February, 8 intrepid gardeners joined us here at Crown Nursery for a fun day learning about 'The Ancient Art of Grafting'. This was a course run in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society.

Grafting - the practice of splicing two pieces of wood together - is both a fascinating and incredible science. It is nothing new though, the Romans practised it - as did the monks of centuries ago - and of course it happens naturally, when two branches grow and rub together eventually forming a tight union where the cells grow as one.

Despite dreary weather outside, the first part of the course consisted of the theory of grafting accompanied with the appropiate handouts and diagrams. After refreshments, it was onto something a bit more exciting - sharpening knives - and practising different cuts on poplar twigs.

As several of the course members said, it is not as easy as it looks - getting two separate pieces of wood of slightly different thickness to match up.

Luckily nobody cut themselves - at least not seriously - just as well as Graeme faints at the sight of blood! - and a great time was had by all.

The highlight of the day for many was to actually graft an ornamental tree themselves - which they then potted up and were able to take home to grow on in their own garden. A tour of the nursery followed - and an opportunity to watch Liz - the Crown Nursery grafting Queen - who does all of the nursery grafting, hard at work.

The great thing about these courses from our point of view as a tutor is the mix of people we get - from all walks of life and locations - and they all get on so well!!

More courses coming up in the next few weeks - the popular pruning workshops are next. Why not come on a Crown Nursery course - check out the website - they are fun, open to everyone - and nothing at all like being back at school!!

Until next time,

Richard