Boston Flora

Tag: pruning techniques

  • Saturday, February 28, 9:00 am – 11:00 am – Pruning Shrubs

    Knowing what and when to prune, and how to do so, are important as you manage your home landscape. Learn the basic techniques for pruning ornamental shrubs for optimum health and beauty. Jen Kettell, an ISA-certified arborist will address topics including pruning cuts and tools; thinning and reducing overgrown plants; shaping and encouraging new growth. The class is sponsored by the Arnold Arboretum and takes place Saturday, February 28, from 9 – 11. Fee $20 Arboretum member, $30 nonmember. Register online at http://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/Info.aspx?EventID=1.

  • Sunday, November 2, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm – Pruning Practices and Winter Interest Plant Walk

    Join Blithewold Mansion’s fun and informal plant walks, each of which will get you familiar with the plants and trees spread over Blithewold’s 33 acres of lawns and gardens. Led by members of the talented professional horticultural staff, this introductory, easy-paced walk covers a variety of topics. You will enjoy learning about various plants, garden topics, habitats, and seasons at Blithewold. Your guide will introduce you to perhaps new-to-you gardening techniques, trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants as well. People of all ages and levels of gardening experience are welcome. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes that can get wet. The Pruning Practices and Winter Interest Plant Walk will take place Sunday, November 2, from 1 – 2:30 pm, at the Gardens at 101 Ferry Road, in Bristol, Rhode Island.  $5 for Blithewold members, admission plus $5 for nonmembers.  For more information and directions visit www.blithewold.org.

  • Saturday, June 12, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – The Essentials of Garden Maintenance

    The Berkshire Botanical Garden, 5 West Stockbridge Road, West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, will hold a lecture and field study afternoon on Saturday, June 12, from 1 – 3 with Elisabeth Cary. After the first bloom of spring, as summer advances, the perennial border can often lose its lovely appearance. Learn how to keep the perennial border looking its best all season long by shaping perennials to produce more flowers, encouraging new growth, staggering bloom times, discouraging pests and encouraging vigorous plant health. Simple techniques for pruning, shaping, pinching, thinning, deadheading and staking perennials will be discussed and demonstrated. Weed control and mulching will be covered.

    Elisabeth Cary is the Director of Education at the Berkshire Botanical Garden and has been gardening for over twenty years. She specializes in perennial, vegetable and mixed border gardens. She teaches woody plant identification for the horticulture certificate program and perennial and vegetable gardening for beginners.  The class is $18  for BBG members and $24 for non members.  You may register on line at www.berkshirebotanical.org, or by calling 413-298-3926.  Image below from www.thegardenerseden.com.

    http://www.thegardenerseden.com//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/perennial-borders.jpg

  • Thursday, March 4, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm – Landscape Maintenance: An Organic Approach

    The Arnold Arboretum is sponsoring a one day seminar with James J. Agabedis, Jr. of Minuteman Landscaping, Inc. on Thursday, March 4, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Improve your understanding of horticulture and enhance your landscape skills. This all-day class will introduce the basics of horticultural landscape maintenance. James Agabedis is the owner of Minuteman Landscaping, an all-organic land care company. Having worked in the industry since 1986, Jim is a pro at communicating with customers and employees, and brings a solid understanding of current landscape practices to the classroom. He is a Northeast Organic Farming Association-certified Organic Land Care Professional and emphasizes organic techniques in this class. Jim will present the following topics: landscape maintenance practices; soil fertility; plant growth and health; planting and pruning techniques; plant evaluation; equipment safety; and turf care. The class will take place indoors and on the grounds of the Arnold Arboretum. Certificates of attendance will be given to attendees. The fee includes morning coffee and program materials. Bring a lunch and beverage. Register early as this class fills quickly – log on to www.arboretum.harvard.edu.  Fee $90.

  • Saturday, September 26, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Pruning Shrubs and Small Trees

    Autumn is a great time to assess your woody plants for shape and structure. This demonstration/workshop, to be held at the Berkshire Botanical Gardens in Stockbridge, Massachusetts on Saturday, September 26, from 10 am – 1 pm, will focus on pruning, including: when, why and how to shape, renovate, train or rejuvenate your woody plants. Learn about pruning tools, timing, and specific techniques available to the home gardener. Participants will learn the basics of pruning, including rejuvenating an old lilac and shaping a small flowering tree. Pruning techniques specifically for hedges both evergreen and deciduous will be covered. Ken Gooch, Massachusetts Certified Arborist, is the Department of Environmental Management’s Forest Health Specialist for Berkshire County. He is an educator and lectures widely on a variety of topics including forest health, pruning, and arboriculture.  Cost of workshop is $20 for BBG members, $25 for non-members.  For directions and more information, log on to www.berkshirebotanical.org.  Wear waterproof outerwear and footwear and bring pruners.

    http://www.tlcfortrees.info/images/Pruners.jpg

  • Thursday, August 6, 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Pruning Clinic

    Join the staff at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, 23 Science Center Road, Holderness, New Hampshire, on Thursday, August 6, from 9 to 10:30 in the morning, to learn about the selection, use, and maintenance of pruning tools (including sharpening of pruners and loppers).  Discover how, when, and why to prune flowers, shrubs, and trees with an opportunity to observe the techniques in Kirkwood Gardens. This workshop will prepare you to make some positive changes in your own garden.  For more information, log on to www.nhnature.org.
    Cost: $7/member; $9/non-member