​Bruce Botanical Food Gardens hosting apple tree grafting workshop, April 25

Have you ever wondered how your favourite apples taste the same every time you bite into them? The answer lies in a fascinating horticultural technique called ‘grafting’ - and it’s something you can learn to do yourself.

Staff at the Bruce Botanical Food Gardens in Ripley is hosting an apple tree grafting workshop, Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to Noon. It will be led by Julie Lamberts of Rooted by the Bluffs who will share her expertise in perma-culture and fruit-tree care. She led a fruit tree pruning workshop at the food gardens last year.

At previous workshops, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of grafting, a method used to create exact genetic copies of fruit trees. Unlike trees grown from seeds - which can produce unpredictable fruit quality and less resistance - grafting reliably produces consistent varieties. This consistency is what allows consumers to recognize specific apple types by appearance at the grocery stores.

A key focus of the workshop is understanding the two main components involved in grafting: the scion wood and the rootstock. The scion wood, taken from a desired tree variety, determines the type of fruit produced, while the rootstock forms the base of the tree, supplying nutrients and structural support. When successfully joined, the two parts grow together as a single tree.

Timing is emphasized as an essential factor in successful grafting. Scion wood is typically collected during the winter months and stored in a dormant state. Grafting is then performed in early spring when the rootstock begins to come out of dormancy and sap flow increases, allowing the graft to heal effectively before the growing season begins.

Participants will be guided through the process using specialized tools and materials. Volunteer staff asks participants to bring cut-resistant gloves and a sharp knife; all other supplies – including rootstock, scion wood, and grafting materials - will be provided.

The workshop costs $56.50 (including HST) per person - a small investment in a skill that can last a lifetime.

Additional workshops are expected to be announced as part of the 2026 program schedule. Keep an eye on the Facebook page at Bruce Botanical Food Gardens.

Community members interested in attending, leading or proposing future workshop ideas, are encouraged to contact the garden manager, Olivia, at gardenmanager@bbfg.org.