Avocado Tree Grafting

Two months ago we permanently planted some parachichi trees in the garden at Usa River Academy. A month ago we experimented with grafting. This was a very special event because it was not only the culmination of many prior lessons but it also marked Full Circle's first attempt at a collaboration with an Usa River Academy teacher. Mr. Benjamin, the Biology teacher, was very excited to participate in the activity and planned a biology lesson to accompany the gardening component.

Mr. Benjamin with the students

We had an amazing turnout. I told Mr. Benjamin to choose about 20 non- TFFT secondary students who were interested to join us and was quite surprised when he showed up with over 100! When I asked him about the huge group he stated simply that they were all interested to learn and how could he deny them that chance. Touché!

Even the headmaster Mr. Kamuru stopped by to check out the project. Here he stands between Mr. Benjamin and Josh and looks on with the students.

Desi and Kasanga were on hand once more to serve as our expert gardeners.

Lou generously offered up some cuttings from her delicious Hass avocado trees to be grafted with the local variety.

Kasanga, with support from a student's hands, begins the delicate work of the graft.

Students eagerly look on.

The final result.
In the end everything came together and the project was a great success. We collaborated with volunteer extraordinaire Lou, Usa River staff and students to have a fun and educational afternoon that will ultimately result is tasty Hass avocados for eating!