The first graft was doomed to failure from day 1. I did a v-notch kind of deal which, as I see now, isn't much better than butting two cut ends together. The scion seemed to be fine other than it was slowly drying up. However the rootstock caused the problem because the bark layer pulled back and curled out slightly making any original contact between the scion and the rootstock impossible.
I did a second graft before I unwrapped and inspected the failed graft but I think I made the necessary changes to make this graft more likely to take. This time I sliced down the diameter of each end to be connected and then cut out a section to make a lap joint. I then tightly wrapped the tape around the joint with only one layer covering. I can see the cut end pulling away again but I expect the vertical part of the joint to connect. I put a loose plastic bag over it this time instead of remay and I'm not taking much care to mist it. It has been cool so I'm not too worried. As the weather warms this week, I will probably pay more attention to it. I figure I might have almost a 50% chance of succeeding this time. I learned something on the first one so I don't feel bad about messing it up.
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