Basics of Pruning

Overview: Join our Arboriculture, Conservation, and Landscapes (ACL) team for an interactive workshop on pruning woody plants. The session will begin with an indoor presentation covering the fundamentals of pruning, including best practices and techniques for maintaining plant health.

Participants will then gain hands-on experience using and maintaining pruning tools, working with containerized plants to apply their new skills. The workshop will take place indoors and, weather permitting, outdoors under cover at our Pavilion. Please dress in layers and bring gloves and appropriate footwear for comfort and safety.

Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. This workshop is ideal for novice and exerperienced gardeners of all levels looking to enhance their pruning knowledge and techniques.

This event will take place on the Rokeby Farm portion of OSGF. The event will not include a tour of the formal garden, or main residence.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Do NOT bring your own pruning tools or any plant material.

About OSGF: The Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) is a philanthropic foundation based at the former primary estate of the late Paul and Rachel Mellon, who were major philanthropists in the U.S. of the arts, humanities, and sciences in the second half of the twentieth century. OSGF is located in the northern Virginia Piedmont and Blue Ridge Mountains region (ca. one-hour drive from Washington, D.C.). Led by Sir Peter Crane, the Foundation’s inaugural President, OSGF provides short courses and supports residencies for artists and scholars. Its celebrated Library comprises rare books, manuscripts and works of art relating to horticulture, landscape design, botany and natural history. It is becoming a new center of stimulation of all things botanical, from fundamental research in plant evolution and conservation, to horticultural and plant conservation practice, to the history and art of plants, gardens and landscapes.

Photo Release Statement: By attending this event, you consent to your likeness and image being used for ongoing promotional and marketing efforts.

Availability: This event will be capped at 20 participants. Registrations will be accepted on a rolling basis through Eventbrite until full.

Clif Brown began working on the property in 1988 and worked directly with Mrs. Rachel Lambert Mellon to achieve her aesthetic vision for the trees surrounding the Little Oak Spring property. Clif has over 30 years of landscape management experience and has been the Head of the ACL team since its inception in 2014.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Rokeby Farm | The Granary, 8622 Mill Reef Road, Middleburg, United States