Back to graft

Hello from Buzz Community Garden!

After the Winter break, Buzz received some much-needed TLC, and now in March, the garden is bursting with colour—tulips, daffodils, and grape hyacinths are in full bloom. Signs of life are everywhere, with new shoots promising fruit from the bushes, and even rhubarb making an appearance in the woodland hideaway!

March was also a time to share our space with our friends, Really Wild Lockleaze and the Forest of Avon Trust. Under Jacks guidance we learnt how to graft apple trees. An ancient technique, originating from China. Grafting ensures an identical variety, by inserting shoots (called a scion) of your chosen apple, into a rootstock (which becomes the tree’s roots). But why graft? Imagine your favourite apple is a ‘Gala’ - if you were to plant a seed direct, a tree might grow, but it wouldn’t be a Gala it would only have some characteristics of a Gala. Just as we humans have traits in common with our parents but we are not carbon copies. Grafting is fusing two trees into one. Grafting is like cloning! In a nutshell, a cut is made in to the scion, to reveal the cambium layer (the living part of the tree) which is then bound to the rootstock. The clever tree, senses it has been injured and sends signals to ‘close the wound’ and the two become bound for life, guaranteeing an exact replica of your favourite apple.

Another advantage of grafting is that it allows you to manage the tree’s size. Buzz now has three small trees (maximum height of 2 metres): a cider tree, a dessert tree, and an all-rounder. It may take 2-4 years for them to bear fruit, but it will be well worth the wait! Our ‘Veg for a Roast’ plan is on track. With carrots already in the ground, soil prepped for potatoes, and peas ready for sowing, we are getting well-prepared for a delicious harvest.

And kudos to the local community who continue to support us with their donations. The organic compost is amazing, very smelly but hopefully just what the sweet peas and chard need. And those willow donations from a Bristol school have been put to good use—creating obelisks for our climbing plants!

As March draws to a close, anticipation fills the air as we gear up for the full planting season. But it’s not just about gardening; there’s a burst of creativity too! With a line-up of mini projects, your local green space is gradually being transformed into a delightful garden for the entire community to enjoy.

Thanks to Bristol 24/7 too, for the feature they recently ran on Buzz.

Find us on Facebook @Buzzcommunitygarden

All welcome Wednesdays and Saturdays 10 – 12. No experience needed. Free hot drinks and biscuits.

Anne-Louise x