Douglas Ruhren, Gardens Manager

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 actual demonstration of the technique on shrubs in the Arboretum with some hands-on experience for class participants.

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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 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).