Pruning Program Courses

Ornamental Pruning Program

Established in 2019, the Ornamental Pruning Program is designed for gardeners and landscape professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of pruning techniques that promote both plant health, plant aesthetics, and landscape aesthetics. Each course highlights specific aspects of pruning, focusing on different plant types and materials to help students build a well-rounded skill set in the garden and horticulture industry. Explore the current and upcoming list of courses below, and check back regularly as new courses are added throughout the year.

Note for Licensed Gardeners: Select courses are approved for continuing education credit by the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board (LCB).

2026 Courses

 The Science and Biology of Pruning: On Zoom – February 11, 2026, 5:30-7:30pm: $20

This is a Zoom class by Chris Roddick. (See his bio below)
For thousands of years, people have used the ancient practice of pruning to manipulate and enhance trees and shrubs. Yet the science and biology behind pruning is still among the most misunderstood practices in the field.

This Tree Talk will take a deep dive into the science of pruning while looking closely at the biological responses of trees. We’ll discuss topics such as cladoptosis and natural pruning, compartmentalization, and the roll of fungi and plant hormones. And last, how best to make pruning decisions understanding what the plant needs.

Chris Roddick, instructor

Chris Roddick began his career many years ago at the Scott Arboretum, where he almost overcame his fear of heights as the campus arborist. After spending the next 30 years as the Head Arborist and Foreman of Grounds at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, he moved to southern New England to start Sweet Birch Land & Tree, an arboricultural consultancy and practice. By looking at trees as tree-based ecosystems, Chris follows a holistic approach to caring for trees and land called Conservation Arboriculture. This method uses a modern understanding of tree, soil biology, and ecology as a base for maintenance and cultivation decisions. He consults on veteran tree care, species selection, habit formation, and conducts specialized pruning. Chris also teaches, lectures, and gives staff training on conservation tree care and pruning.

Chris is an ISA Certified Arborist and a NOFA AOLCP. He is the author of the Tree Care Primer, a guide to care for young, mature, and veteran trees. When he’s not working, he is often on an expedition, traveling to the Neo-Tropical forests where he helps conduct canopy research as a climber and really bad camp cook.

Pruning Fruit Trees, February 15, 2026, Noon-2pm: $45

Late winter pruning is a good time to prune fruit trees because it is dormant and easy to see the tree’s structure to decide which cuts to make, and you can rest assured knowing that the spring is not far off and your tree will soon be able to heal any wounds from pruning. Instructor Jonathan Faith will be demonstrate how to prune apple trees, plum trees, nectarines, and pear trees in this class. 

In addition to demonstrating how to prune each variety of fruit tree, Jonathan will discuss cross pollination, fertilizers, and fungicide and insecticide sprays.

Don’t miss out too on a discount coupon to Al’s Garden & Home when you attend the class!

Jonathan Faith, instructor

Jonathan come from a deep history of being around a copious array of plants. For sixteen years, Jonathan helped manage his family’s small orchard in Hubbard, Oregon. They had all different varieties of fruit trees. Talking about fruit trees is one of Jonathan’s greatest pleasure!

Jonathan is currently the store manager at Al’s Garden & Home in Gresham.

Spring Candling of Pines: Sunday, May 3, 2026, 1-3pm: $45

Learn all about the why’s and how’s of candling pines. When should you remove the whole candle, and when should you break the candles. Laura will candle, needle, and prune a variety of pines at the Gresham Japanese Garden.

This workshop is in person. Bring your gloves. Laura may turn the class into a collaborative session.

This workshop is certified by the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board. Licensed landscape construction professionals receive three Continuing Education Hours (CEH).

Laura Dufala

Laura Dufala has been in the nursery business for over 40 years working with Iseli’s Nursery for five years, and then with a local high-end retail nursery for 25 years. Meanwhile, she and her husband Tom, own and operate a niché cloud-pruned pine tree nursery in Boring, Oregon.

Laura is also experienced in bonsai, and aesthetic pruning of maples and other landscape plant material.

Workshop Cancellation Policy

We do not issue refunds on workshop registrations. 

If you register for a workshop and later become unable to attend, we will gladly offer a credit for your registration amount to use toward any future event if you notify us at least 24 hours before the workshop.

To cancel and request a credit, please email us at administrator@greshamjapanesegarden.com. Workshop credits are not redeemable for cash. Please note: Credits cannot be given for registrations for workshops hosted by visiting/out of town instructors. Due to the nature of these one-time-only workshops, all events hosted by special guests are subject to this policy. Thank you for understanding!

In the event a class is cancelled or rescheduled due to inclement weather, or any incident where GJG or its instructors are at fault, you will receive a credit to take another class at a later date.

About Our Policy

Our workshops require a great deal of pre-planning, including ordering supplies and tools, booking staff, and making commitments to pay our instructors — all based on the number of students who register. In fairness to all of our customers we are unable to make exceptions to our policy, including for reasons of illness, travel, or work hours. If you are unable to attend a workshop at the last minute, we suggest giving your spot to a friend!

Thank you for understanding!

The GJG Team