Rhododendron Pruning Workshop

Rhododendron Pruning Workshop by Andrew Brooker

Chalet will be open for tea and coffee. Join us for a leisurely stroll breathing in the beauty of the garden.

Rhododendrons, like the other plants in our gardens, need pruning from time to time to maintain their health and performance. For the most part this is a relatively simple task as there is an obvious starting point. But some of us may still find this somewhat daunting when our plants get out of control.

Looking to address all questions on pruning rhododendrons as part of the regular plant husbandry in our gardens. Techniques, tips and tricks to get the best from your plants will be shared.

Starting with the simplest form of pruning, deadheading – the why and how. Looking at what benefits this has to the plant as well as the presentation of your garden. We will delve into the three “D’s” of pruning. “Dead – Diseased – and dying” wood within your plants and how to deal with this appropriately.

Timing is also critical, especially when pruning for shape/ form to give your plants the right presence in your garden. Whether this is to create a whimsical appearance or to reduce size and height without sacrificing too much flower during the season.

And of equal importance we will look at the right tools for the job. The importance of keeping them clean and sharp, and the benefit this has to you and the plants. Understanding that everyone is different with their own preferences we will the options to get the job done well and with confidence.
All of this to be covered at Heritage Park, 18 Haggerty street Kimbolton on Saturday 10th 0ctober 2020 Plus an opportunity to have any other rhododendron questions answered on the day.
Andrew Brooker Rhododendron collection

Originally employed by the Pukeiti Rhododendron Trust in 1989, and still working closely with the rhododendron collection held there Andrew is currently the Rhododendron Collection and Projects Officer for the Taranaki Regional Council. His primary role involves everything rhododendron from propagation and conservation to plant selection and plant husbandry. Thirty years of working with rhodos has given Andrew a sound, no nonsense approach to pruning and other plant care tips which he is happy to share with the gardening public.