On 2011-05-25 18:37:28 +0100, Rod said:

On May 25, 11:40*am, louisxiv wrote:
Hi folks

The tree in attached image is of sentimental value and I'd like to know
what it is and how to take a cutting from it or propogate it by any
means.

It was covered until recently in pink blossom.

TIA for any advice.

MA

http://tinypic.com/r/vf8jlg/7

Flowering Cherry, without seeing the entire tree it's difficult to get
the variety. The bark looks a bit too silvery for Ama-No Gawa, but if
it's roughly the shape of a lombardy poplar then that would be my best
guess.
Propagation is normally by grafting or bud-grafting onto a rootstock
of the common wild cherry Prunus avium or on one of the more compact
selections of P. avium normally used as understocks for fruiting
cherries.
Grafting and budding are not so mysterious and difficult that it
should put anyone off having a go. Look it up on Google and find
yourself a rootstock - dig up a sucker found near almost any cherry
and establish it for a complete growing season, then in winter for
grafting or July for budding have a go.
Strips cut from a polythene sandwich bag will do at a push for tying
in. You need a very sharp knife - you should be able to shave with it.
Graft using new wood of last summer's growth, bud using firm wood of
the current season's growth.
Google for 'whip and tongue graft' for grafting and 'chip budding' for
budding. You can use 'Tee budding' but chip budding is easier for a
beginner.
If you know anybody getting 'physio' who is using a 'theraband'(sp) or
some similar name, that's good stuff for tying grafts.

Rod

Blimey. Thanks Rod. Just getting my head round what that all means will
keep me busy fir a week! Much appreciated though. M.