Pruning with Purpose: Principles and Techniques

About this course

The workshop examines why pruning is used to manage plants and how different approaches support flowering, fruiting, plant health and structure. Learners work through examples and practise pruning herbaceous perennials, shrubs and trees in a garden setting. It also covers the safe use and basic maintenance of pruning tools, and considers how pruning connects with wider garden practices such as dead-hedging, composting and constructing garden structures.

What you'll learn

• Explain reasons for pruning in relation to flowers, fruit, health and plant structure
• Use pruning techniques for herbaceous perennials, shrubs and trees
• Apply safe working practices when using pruning tools and equipment
• Identify ways pruning can connect with dead-hedging, composting and garden structures

Is this course right for you?

Listed as suitable for all levels, the workshop is intended for people who want to prune plants in their own gardens. It combines explanation, examples and practical work with a range of plant types, including material relevant to those new to pruning.

• Relevant to people managing or maintaining plants at home