This box arrived in the mail.What looks like dead sticks is actually live plum tree “scions.”A plum tree in Portland is about to get an addition.You only need five items to make a tree graft — plus a scion and a rooted tree.Find a branch to serve as the scion’s new home, and clip off the end.Keep your trimmers handy.The branch needs a slot sliced in it (careful! sharp knife!) where the scion will be inserted.This scion named “Sprite” was snipped from another plum tree.The scion wedge needs to be very smooth and sharp.Grafting is like woodworking. You got to whittle.Two different kinds of plum tree are united in this joint.A little of this Japanese “buddy” tape goes a long way.The finished joint is sealed tightly to prevent interior wood from drying out.In a couple of years, the new plum scion will bud like this apple branch.If all goes well, the plum tree will look like this apricot one in a few years.This box arrived in the mail.What looks like dead sticks is actually live plum tree “scions.”A plum tree in Portland is about to get an addition.Find a branch to serve as the scion’s new home, and clip off the end.You only need five items to make a tree graft — plus a scion and a rooted tree.Keep your trimmers handy.The branch needs a slot sliced in it (careful! sharp knife!) where the scion will be inserted.This scion named “Sprite” was snipped from another plum tree.The scion wedge needs to be very smooth and sharp.Grafting is like woodworking. You got to whittle.Two different kinds of plum tree are united in this joint.A little of this Japanese “buddy” tape goes a long way.The finished joint is sealed tightly to prevent interior wood from drying out.In a couple of years, the new plum scion will bud like this apple branch.If all goes well, the plum tree will look like this apricot one in a few years.