Ref: S1D37476
After an informal introduction, the day will begin with a presentation on the principles of pruning, explaining the reasons why and how to prune garden plants. Continuing, the tutor will illustrate how these principles are altered and adapted to accommodate different types of plants, such as climbers and trees, along with other plant groups, such as hydrangeas and roses. Concluding, the tutor will explain the importance of and differences between formative and restorative pruning, deadheading and trimming.
Following a tea break, the morning session will continue outside, where the tutor will demonstrate practically some of what was covered in the presentation. This session will continue until lunch time, allowing time for you to practise your new found pruning skills, alongside the tutor.
After lunch, a second presentation will describe the details of fruit pruning, before visiting the Kitchen Garden to study these methods and visually reinforce what has been learnt. A focus on tool selection and maintenance will continue in the afternoon, where the tutor will demonstrate cleaning and sharpening methods, before concluding with a Q&A session, ensuring you complete the course feeling happy and confident to prune the plants in your own garden.
On this course, the College will supply plants for demonstration and practice.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).
Please wear suitable clothing and footwear for outside sessions.
Student registration: 9.15am - 9.30am
Course teaching: 9.30am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.30am - 1pm
Lunch break: 1pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm
Teaching finishes: 5pm
*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options
Ben Pope has been in the horticulture industry for the last 19 years, studying and training at the Merrist Wood and RHS Wisley, where he was awarded Best Practical and Best Overall Student. His work experience ranges from nursery practices and propagation in Australia through to design and horticultural research in London for the practice of Arabella Lennox-Boyd.
