Renewal Pruning Class and Demonstration
with Douglas Ruhren, JC Raulston Gardens Manager

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Saturday, March 7 – 9:00 AM-11:30 AM

Want to maximize the production of flowers and fruits from your shrubs? Renewal pruning is the way to do it. This simple technique works with the natural cycle of replacing old stems with new. This class will start with classroom explanations of the nature of shrubs, the reason for and the techniques of renewal pruning, the tools of the trade as well as demonstrations of this technique. This will be followed by an actual demonstration of the technique on shrubs in the Arboretum with some hands-on experience for class participants.

Renewal Pruning: A Definition

Renewal pruning is a method of pruning that works with the natural life cycle of certain shrubs. It is an essential skill for gardeners growing many common shrubs. It is an easily understood and mastered process once learned. And might even end up being one of your favorite garden tasks as you work to maximize the productivity and beauty of the shrubs under your care.
Renewal pruning is appropriate to the vast majority of deciduous flowering shrubs, as well as blackberries, raspberries, and other brambles as well as blueberries. A few ornamental shrubs for which this pruning is appropriate to include Abelia, Buddleia (butterfly bush), Callicarpa (beautyberry), Forsythia, Hydrangea, and many others, including some woody vines.
The class includes instruction on the underlying principles and actual demonstrations. Participants will have a chance to prune some shrubs in the Arboretum. Bring your questions (and your pruners).

About Douglas Ruhren

Close to half a century ago my mother taught me how to renewal prune her forsythias. (I think she had kids in part so she had free help in her garden.) It has remained one of my favorite garden tasks, presenting a delightful challenge with the end result of guiding plants to their greatest productivity and beauty. Douglas Ruhren is the JC Raulston Arboretum’s gardens manager.

Cost: $20.00 for members, $25.00 for nonmembers.
Registration: Advance registration is required. Please register online using our registration e-store. Registration is limited to 24 people and is considered complete when payment is received.
Cancellation: Program cancellations can be made up to two weeks before the program’s start date. A 15% cancellation fee applies.
Location: Ruby C. McSwain Education Center, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University, 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, North Carolina.
Parking: Free parking is available at the JC Raulston Arboretum and along Beryl Road.
Questions: Please call (919) 513-7005 for more information about this demonstration.