Grafting on St Teilo's Day

Eager to get started? Curious about grafting and eager to learn more? Want to enhance your skills?

Join us for more fun with gardening expert and tutor, Emma Maxwell, at her one-acre garden at Ash & Elm in Llanidloes, Mid Wales, on St Teilo’s Day.

This is your chance to gain the knowledge and confidence to carry out your own grafting projects.

We'll start by exploring everyone's grafting experience, then dive into 'Grafting 101': principles and tools as an introduction to grafting with some real-life examples, followed by a hands-on session.  Yes, you'll be grafting!

Throughout the day, we'll also chat about your community orchard group and the positive difference you're making locally.

Dress warmly with suitable clothing and wellies, and bring your own gloves, grafting knife, and tape if you have them (some will be provided). Cake will be available to keep you energised, but please bring your own lunch.

If you have any rootstock or scions you'd like to graft, bring them along, but we will also have them available.

By the end of the day, you will leave with new winter grafting skills, increased confidence, experience, and a newly grafted tree! You will also have shared with other participants and discovered fresh ideas for your space.

Spaces will fill fast - register now to avoid missing out. If you can't attend, a link to cancel will be in your confirmation email. Please use it as soon as you know, as we operate a waiting list.

About the Tutor

Emma Maxwell has an MSc in Sustainable Horticulture and Food Production and has experience as a university lecturer. She has been a part-time trainer and mentor for Farm Start trainees on the Pathways to Farming course, part of the Tyfu Dyfi project, for seven years. Her expertise includes soil and plant science, propagation, edible and ornamental plant growing, and relevant business marketing topics. In 2023, Emma was appointed as coach to DEFRA’s New Entrants Support Scheme. She continues to mentor horticultural farmers for Farming Connect.

Emma has conducted numerous horticultural trials in collaboration with organisations such as the Soil Association’s Innovative Farmers project and the Savari Research Trust.  

Event Details

Where:  Ash & Elm Horticulture, Cae Felyn, Old Hall, Llanidloes SY18 6PW

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When: Monday 9th February 2026, from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM. St Teilo’s Day! Welcomes upon arrival.

What to bring: Your lunch; warm clothing and rain boots or other suitable footwear; gloves and grafting knives, if you have them; any rootstock or scion you'd like to graft.  We will provide cake and hot drinks.

Cost: Free, but spaces are limited. 

We operate a waiting list and expect high demand. If you book but cannot attend, please cancel as soon as possible so someone else can take your place. To be added to the waiting list, please make a booking. If the event is fully booked, you will be offered a spot.

Further venue information

Emma L. Maxwell and Dave Ashley are Ash & Elm: a vibrant, five-acre off-grid market garden dedicated to agro-ecological and regenerative horticulture since 2011. Social Farms & Gardens have collaborated with Ash & Elm for many years and know Emma to be a gentle powerhouse — a true master of self-sufficient horticulture. The farm hosts an impressive diversity of crops, including vegetables, flowers, nuts, and fruit. Emma, Dave and the site have cultivated a dynamic community of staff, volunteers, workers, students, and WWOOFers, each contributing energy, enthusiasm, dedication, and a diverse range of skills to the heart of mid-Wales.   

Parking: You can pull into the entrance and park on the hard-standing car park.   

Llanidloes town is reachable by bus, but services are limited.  Please visit Powys County Council’s local bus routes map for more information.  

The nearest train station is Trefeglwys Caersws.  

If you are travelling by public transport and need a lift from Llanidloes Town or Trefeglwys Caersws, we can help. 

For full directions and for arranging a lift from public transport stops, please see your booking confirmation.