NATIONAL Trust gardeners at Cotehele hope their efforts bear fruit when they show visitors how to graft their own apple tree – those taking part will be able to take away and plant their tree in their garden at home. 

‘After last year’s tremendous apple harvest,’ says Cotehele head gardener Dave Bouch, ‘we’re hoping that people will be enthused to plant more traditional varieties of fruit trees that have adapted to grow well in this part of the world.

’Apple trees and orchards are  fantastic for attracting a wide range of wildlife to your gardens, especially bees, which are important for pollination and the health of your garden.’ 

During individual workshops, the gardeners will teach people how to graft trees of varieties specific to the Tamar Valley that aren’t widely available.  There will be at least 20 different varieties to choose from including Hocking’s Green, Cornish Mother and King Byerd.  They range from cooking and cider-making apples, to eating apples delicious straight from the tree – there’s an apple for all occasions. 

The apple tree grafting workshops, which run from 11am to 4pm each day, are suitable for those aged 16 or over. There is a limit of two trees per workshop, and garden admission charges apply plus grafting materials of up to £5 per tree. There will be rolling workshops all  day so there’s no need to book. The event takes place on February 20 and 21.

The house and mill will reopen on 12 March.  For more information telephone 01579 351346 or visit:  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele.