Program Description:

What makes a Japanese garden look like a Japanese garden?

In this workshop, discover the art of shaping plants in classical Japanese style with this exclusive workshop led by our garden Curator, Ben Schrepf. The workshop will cover a range of techniques, including formal topiary, Japanese cloud pruning & organic topiary, as well as common pruning methods on a variety of plants.

During the workshop, Ben will share insights on selecting the right tools for various gardening tasks and how to adapt basic ideas to suit your own garden in a desert climate.

Topics covered will include the general concepts of Japanese gardens, Japanese pine pruning, shrubs (tamamono and karikomi), rejuvenation of older plant material, and sukashi (thinning). Please join us and be ready with plenty of questions!

Instructor:

Ben Schrepf, the Garden Curator, has trained as an apprentice of Master Gardener Mr. Okita (our garden designer) in Japan and as an apprentice of master Japanese pine pruner John Powell in both Japan and America. He is a highly sought-after gardener who has pruned pines in authentic Japanese gardens throughout the country and within our our Garden. Take this chance to learn a rarely taught traditional art form passed down through the generations and draw inspiration from his fascinating techniques to sculpt your own garden trees at home!

Tickets: https://japanesefriendshipgarden.doubleknot.com/event/japanese-pruning-fall-workshop/3000900