Join renowned horticulturist and farmsteader Cailen Campbell, who has been nurturing Appalachia’s orchards for over 30 years, for an unforgettable journey into the art and science of grafting! This interactive workshop will dive into the fascinating history of grafting, explain why it’s a cornerstone of horticulture, and uncover the science behind what makes this technique so effective.
Cailen will share tips and tricks in sourcing and using the tools and materials essential for grafting, selecting and growing the perfect rootstock and scion, and hands-on demonstrations of tried-and-true grafting techniques. Best of all, you’ll get to roll up your sleeves and practice grafting on live plants! Each attendee will receive their very own grafting knife to use during the workshop and to take home—a valuable tool for future grafting projects. By the end of the day, you’ll also create your very own apple tree graft to plant at home—a living, growing reminder of the skills you’ve learned.
Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or a beginner, this workshop will give you the tools and confidence to expand your edible landscape horizons and grow your own orchard dreams. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a true expert and bring a piece of Appalachia’s rich horticultural tradition home with you!
This class will be held outdoors on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, from 1:00pm – 4:00pm near Weaverville, NC.
This class is suitable both for beginners and folks with some experience! Some knife competency and hand strength is helpful, as well as the ability to stand the entire time. All ages are welcome!
Cailen Campbell of Bittersweet Farm and Nursery, located near the headwaters of Sugar Creek between Weaverville and Barnardsville has been propagating and planting fruit and nut trees in Appalachia for over 30 years. Bittersweet specializes in fruit and nut trees uniquely adapted to our region under low-input/no-spray conditions and suitable for backyard permaculture food forests and commercial scale orchards alike. They currently have over 500 cultivars in their trial plantings in a multi-generational effort to find and then propagate uncommon and rare fruit and nut varieties proven to produce in our area. All plants are grafted and propagated on-site using only the most sustainable and ecologically benevolent practices (beyond organic). Cailen also offers on-site consultation, soil analysis, orchard design, pruning, educational, and custom grafting services.
In order to make our workshops more accessible, we offer two price options for each class, with an additional Equity Discount for qualifying individuals. Please consider these options and select your price at checkout.
Thank you for helping transform the world into a culture of abundance, resilience, and opportunity for all.
*Please check your pricing options before you register for your first Perennial Workshop. The pricing options are the same for all events, so you only need to do it once!
Materials include: grafting knife & apple tree root stock
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PO Box 18758 Asheville, NC 28814
Subscribe to our Newsletter for updates on all things Firefly, such as Perennial Workshops, Book Nook, and Annual Gathering News.
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Lily is an artist, creator, and dreamer. Since a very young age, she has been immersed in the natural world and draws heavy inspiration from the wild. Though her medium changes frequently, Lily’s art and expression always incorporate an element of the organic and unpredictable. She got her associate in fine arts in 2023, and now volunteers at her school as a ceramic studio monitor. She hopes to open a studio of her own one day to have a place to teach and inspire others. In addition to doing commission work, Lily has been creating many graphics for The Firefly Gathering since 2019. Lily grew up in the Earthskills community from the time she was eight years old, so having the opportunity to grow and give back in so many ways has been incredibly fulfilling. No matter where she ends up, this group of people and ideas will always hold a special place in her heart.
