Grafting workshops March 10 in Big Stone Gap

 The Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park announces two grafting workshops in partnership with the Wise County Virginia Cooperative Extension office. 

 Join Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent Phil Meeks for two tree grafting workshops on Tuesday, March 10 at 1 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park in the museum’s Victorian parlor. Local apple grower Steve Kelly will join Phil for the 6 p.m. workshop.

 Grafting or graftage is a horticultural technique whereby tissues of plants are joined so as to continue their growth together. The upper part of the combined plant is called the scion while the lower part is called the rootstock. 

 Rootstock will be available, as will a number of varieties of scion wood. If participants have old varieties they’d like to graft, they’re welcome to bring their own scion cuttings.  

 Registration is $20. Each registered person will get 7 rootstock, and additional may be purchased at the workshop for $1 each. Class size is limited to 25.  Registration may be made at the Virginia Cooperative Extension office in Wise or online at https://register.ext.vt.edu/ .  (Click “Programs” and “Agriculture.”  The Wise County Grafting Workshop is listed near the bottom.) 

 For additional information about the grafting workshop, please call the Virginia Cooperative Extension Agency at 276/328-6194 or the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park at 276/523-1322.