Pruning Program

GJG is thrilled to announce its Pruning Training Program taught by professional aesthetic pruners.

The pruning program is designed for gardeners and landscape professionals interested in pruning for the health of a plant and aesthetics of the plant and landscape, while advancing your pruning and plant knowledge and skills.

Each course focuses on different aspects of pruning in regards to different plant material. See below. Check back often. New courses are added all the time.

Spring Courses

We’re adding a scientific element to GJG’s pruning program.

Pruning Broadleaf Evergreen Shrubs: Saturday, June 24th, 12pm-2pm: $45

Where do you even start when you look at your evergreen shrubs? Learn ways to gracefully bring your shrubs back into order. Learn when to prune and how to prune. Not all shrubs react the same to pruning. This workshop is in person at the Gresham Japanese Garden.

Bring your pruners just in case Francheska lets you work on a shrub.

Francheska Snyder

Originally from Pennsylvania, Francheska Snyder is the current owner/operator of Niwa Method, a landscape contracting business specializing in Japanese gardens in the Portland area. She has previously worked in public non-profit gardens such as the Portland Japanese Garden, Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, and Wyck Historic House and Garden. She has participated in work-study opportunities assisting Japanese garden builds across the United States, in Italy, and in various regions of Japan. Francheska earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Rochester Institute of Technology in 2009. She holds a certificate in Ornamental Horticulture from Longwood Gardens, a 3rd Term Master Level certificate from the Ohara School of Ikebana and is a recognized Chanticleer Scholar. She also uses her time and talent on the board of Leach Botanical Garden, and consulting and teaching for the Gresham Japanese Garden.

Soil – What it is and How it Works, Zoom, June 19th, 6-7:30pm

Soil! It’s ALL about soil! Most people only have a vague idea of what soil is and how it works. You will learn more than you ever thought possible about soil, including why you are alive, what nutrients are, and how soil stores water and nutrients, all fundamental information important to your landscape.

James Cassidy: Instructor

GJG instructor, James Cassidy has been a teacher of Soil Science at Oregon State University for over 18 years. He teaches a similar introductory class to over 100 students each term and it’s very popular. This course is underwritten by Bartlett Tree Experts.

Pruning Workshop, Onsite: August 5th, 10am–4pm – $100

The all-day pruning workshop is designed for the intermediate pruner. You will be pruning a Japanese Garden at Vanport Manufacturing in Boring, Oregon with guidance from instructor, Francheska Snyder.

The workshop will be limited to 8 participants for an optimal learning experience.

Work Site

We are always on the look-out for work sites. Take a look at the site requirements and if you think that you are a good fit, contact us at administrator@greshamjapanesegarden.org.