I found this article in Vancouver's Columbian magazine while doing a google search: http://www.columbian.com/news/2010/mar/ ... old-timer/

I was looking for some pictures of bridge grafts because I have a Shiro plum I planted this spring on which I got a little overzealous doing limb spreading. There were basically competing leaders so I tried to spread them to get one to a more open angle planning to later cut off the middle and let it be open-centered. Well several weeks later the tree split at the V between those limbs.

I'm thinking of bending over a side shoot from a neighboring limb and splicing it in with the hope of adding some support for that limb. It might work and it sounds fun.

thanks for this article.....

the old Vancouver tree is definitely worth saving....I suspect some HOS people have been helping as well.

I believe where Laurie Thompson works (mentioned in article) is Buckner orchard in Stehekin.....a cool orchard protected by the National Park Service in an absolutely gorgeous, gorgeous spot....one of my favorite places in the world.

Susan Dolan, also mentioned in this article, spoke to Seattle's Piper orchard Harvest Fest last year. She did well.

This year, Sept. 15th, in the morning, Dr. Tim Smith is going to come visit us from Wenatchee for our antique orchard Piper's orchard Harvest Fest. He is world-respected. All are welcome.

www.pipersorchard.org