Fruit Tree Grafting Course at Hellens

One day fruit tree grafting course with Tim Andrews from Orchard Revival.

This will be a mostly practical day, with some theory and demonstrations learning grafting of apple and pear scion wood onto root stock.  The day will start with an introduction about fruit tree grafting, followed by a practical session collecting scion wood from the collection of heritage perry pear trees within the grounds at Hellens.  There will also be the opportunity for participants to bring along their own scion wood from their own trees.

Hellens has this year submitted leaf samples for DNA analysis from a selection of ancient perry pear trees along Monks Walk, the results are due December 2025.  The selection of trees includes varieties that originated at Hellens, namely Hellens Early and Hellens Green.  A number of the pear trees at Hellens are known to be over 300 years old.  The results of the DNA testing may reveal other unique varieties and participants will have the opportunity to graft from this nationally important collection of perry pear trees.

Tim will give a demonstration and instruction on grafting and then you will have the opportunity to practice the techniques.  Once participants have mastered this process they will then move on to grafting scion wood of their choice.    All participants should have two grafted fruit trees to take home at the end of the day.

Hellens will provide refreshments on arrival and vegetarian lunch with cake at an appropriate time during the day.  Equipment needed for the day will be provided including root stock, grafting knives, secateurs and grafting tape.  All participants will have the option of purchasing more root stock if they wish.