We hope you can join us for these upcoming events.
 

Bookings are absolutely essential.
Book here

This workshop will also be video-recorded and made available to financial members who are unable to attend in person.

This workshop is FREE for financial members of Permaculture Toowoomba Inc. and every member will take home one bare-rooted, grafted apple tree to grow in a large pot or in your garden.

Workshop

Would you like to know how to graft your own apple trees?  If so, this practical hands-on workshop will cover everything you need to get started.

You’ll Learn About

• Rootstock (we’ll be using MM102 rootstock which is recommended for apples in our area)
• Scionwood (we’ll have scionwood from 10 different varieties of apple trees to choose from to graft onto the rootstock)
• How to create a whip and tongue graft using a grafting knife and grafting tape
• Tips on renewing old fruit trees

We’ll start with a practical demonstration from Justin, and then we’ll work in small groups (a few people at a time to ensure COVID-safe distancing protocols) to practice our grafting techniques to prepare our own grafted apple tree.  Justin will be available to assist as needed.

You’ll Take Home

• One bare-rooted grafted apple tree (a variety of your choice) ready to grow in a large pot or to plant in your garden.  One apple tree will be provided at the workshop as a free gift for each financial member.
• You’ll also have the option to purchase extra apple trees to graft (rootstock plus scionwood) at $10.00 each or 5 for $40.00.  If interested, please select and pay for this option when you register for the workshop via Eventbrite.  Numbers available will be limited.
• Justin will also have some pear scionwood for people to take home if you’re interested.

What to Bring

• Grafting knife (if you have one).  We’ll have a few available to use at the workshop.
• Secateurs (if you have them).  We’ll have a few available to use at the workshop.
• Plastic bag or similar to protect and take home your bare-rooted apple tree
• A fold-up chair. We’ll work in small groups so you’ll have an opportunity to chat with like-minded people while you’re not grafting.
• Water bottle plus BYO mug for afternoon tea
• Please wear comfortable clothing to suit the weather conditions
• Donations for our Share Table (see below for details)

Bookings are essential

A light afternoon tea will be served.

Grafting Knife

If you would like to purchase a grafting knife before the workshop or to use at home, Justin recommends the following options as decent knives for a reasonable price:

• https://www.forestrytools.com.au/index.php?id=928
• https://www.thelostseed.com.au/~2446
• https://www.woodbridgefruittrees.com.au/grafting-tools-and-supplies/354-maserin-grafting-knife-red-handle.html

Cost of Workshop

• Financial Members of Permaculture Toowoomba Inc. – Free (Bookings via Eventbrite are essential).  First preference will be given to financial members, so please book by Wednesday 29 July to secure your place.
• Non-Members – $20.00 each (includes workshop fee and one bare-rooted grafted apple tree).  Non-members will be able to book via Eventbrite after Wednesday 29 July if there are still workshop places available.
• Children attending with parents – Free.  Please be aware that this workshop is best suited to adults and all children attending will need to be very closely supervised for their safety.  We’ll be using very sharp grafting knives, so children can watch (while carefully supervised by parents) but won’t be able to participate.
• Extra apple trees to graft (rootstock plus scionwood) – $10.00 each or 5 for $40.00.  You might like to select several different varieties of apple tree scionwood suitable for eating, cooking or cider.  Purchase here (members only).

Financial Member but Unable to Attend?

If you’re a financial member but you’re unable to attend on Sunday 2 August, you are still welcome to register to collect your free bare-rooted grafted apple tree.  Collection will be from Sam Rogers, 2/5 O’Beirne Street, Kearneys Spring after 2 August.  A video-recording of the workshop will be available so you can practice your grafting at home.  Please indicate this option via Eventbrite so we’ll keep an apple tree for you.

Justin Russell

Justin Russell is a gardening writer, photographer and smallholder farmer who divides his time between two main occupations: the production of words and pictures for a range of national gardening publications; and the production of organic food for his family, friends and neighbours.  He lives and works on Half Moon Farm, a 3.5-acre, permaculture-based smallholding at Hampton that he shares with his wife, Kylie, and their three kids.

See Justin’s Website, Instagram and Facebook

COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic we’re taking careful steps to make sure everyone stays healthy and safe.  This includes:

• Events via Zoom online video conferencing wherever possible.
• Increased hygiene measures at all face-to-face events.  Please wash your hands before arrival and hand sanitiser will be available to use while you’re at an event.
• Surfaces will be sanitised regularly.
• Physical distancing of at least 1.5m will be maintained.
• Please don’t attend if you or anyone in your household is unwell, self-isolating because they are at risk of becoming unwell with COVID-19, or you’ve recently travelled interstate, overseas or to hot spot area.

Please help us to manage the risks and keep everyone healthy and well.

• This includes frequent handwashing, covering your nose and mouth when you need to cough or sneeze with the crook of your arm or clean tissue, and observing rules for physical distancing.
• More information can be found on the Department of Health website:
• COVID-19 – Simple steps to stop the spread 
• COVID-19 – Keeping your distance

Second Monday evening of each month - 6.45pm - 8.00pm

• Online Film Club evenings with short film viewing and interactive discussions

Last Monday evening of each month - 6.45pm - 8.00pm

Contact us at info@permaculturetoowoomba.com.au if we can assist in any way.
 

 

info@permaculturetoowoomba.com.au
 

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