Just a reminder about next Saturday’s pruning class (11 am).  This can be a challenging issue for homeowners – where to cut, when to cut, how to cut, and WHY?  Lyle Feilmeier from Collier Arbor Care will be here to answer all your questions.  Space is still available, so let us know if you’d like to register for this free class.  (503-649-4568, or email at events@farmingtongardens.com).

As an added bonus, and to get you all ready for the season ahead, we’ll have a professional tool sharpener here to bring your tools up to speed (he’ll be here from 10:30 till he’s finished).  The first 50 customers will get one pruner sharpened free of charge.  These are the prices Harold has given me for most items; these may vary depending on the condition and size of the item.  Checks and cash only, please; no credit cards for sharpening services.

• pruner ~ $4
• lopers ~ $6
• mower blades (removed) ~ $6 each (he is not able to do the old-fashioned push mower types)
• shovels ~ $3
• hoes ~ $2
• scissors ~ $4
• knives ~ $4
• hand trowel ~ $1

I don’t know about you, but I can hardly wait to get all my tools sharpened – such an opportunity!

Why does pruning seem so perplexing?  We coddle our favorite plants, and are afraid we will damage them with inappropriate care or incorrect pruning!  Well, if this is you, then we’ve got just the class for you.  Lyle Feilmeier from Collier Arbor Care will be here to  share the basics  -

• when to prune
• where and how to make the cuts
• the right equipment for different tasks
• as well as the underlying reasons why we sometimes need to prune 

You will leave with the confidence you need to maintain your garden throughout the year! 

Bring your tools in for sharpening – we’ll have a professional on site.  First 50 people will get one pruner sharpened free; additional tools at reasonable prices.

This class is free, but space is limited – and only a few seats remain; please register with your name, phone number, and number attending at events@farmingtongardens.com or call us at 503-649-4568.

After that storm last night, I’m sure a lot of people are looking at broken branches on their trees and planning on doing some tree surgery.  Before you do, we strongly urge you to assess the extent of any damage and ask yourself if you are equipped to deal with the situation.  If you are looking at a branch over a few inches in diameter, that is more than 6′ off the ground or requires a ladder, or that comprises a substantial part of the tree’s crown, you may want to call a professional arborist to assess the situation.  For smaller branches, or in cases where it seems to be a pretty straightforward operation, we have put together an info sheet on correct pruning methods for trees, complete with really rudimentary sketches of broken trees for your amusement.  Tree pruning is both a science and an art that can take a lifetime to master, but there are a few ground rules that will greatly assist you in your pruning endeavors.  This info sheet is not yet added to our regular online collection yet, but you can access it directly here.

Now, while your grape is dormant, is the time to do the annual pruning. Grapes will produce not only a tangled mess but also a poor harvest if not properly tended. But don’t worry, it is not difficult. By pruning, we help the vine to concentrate it’s energy; we also let in light and air, which helps prevent disease.  So, sharpen up your Felcos and get ‘er done.

First of all, remove any lateral canes, which grown midway up the trunk; also remove suckers, which come up from the root. I like to prune my grape back to a permanent arm or cordon, which provides structure from which the new canes will grow. Prune canes off the permanent arm back to two-bud spurs spaced about 6-12 inches apart. These buds create a renewal spur, from which this year’s fruit will come.

For a very easy to understand graphic of grape pruning, I’d recommend Sunset’s Western Garden Book – they show you exactly what to do and how it should look when you are finished.   If you are really into this in a serious way, you might prefer Lon Rombough’s 2-disc DVD, which I’ve heard is amazingly thorough.  It can be purchased at http://www.bunchgrapes.com/dvd.html

Don’t overlook the potential of using your vine prunings for grapevine wreaths, or even garden structures – when wound around a bamboo or cedar teepee, you can create a rustic vertical structure for peas or beans to climb upon.

We get questions all the time about how to prune correctly– everything from fruit trees, grapes, blueberries, rhododendrons, and other ornamentals like roses, etc.   It can get confusing, can’t it?  So I wanted to let you know there is a wonderful opportunity to learn from the experts, and in a format that will allow you to actually prune!  And its free!  The OSU Extension Washington County Master Gardeners and the Tualatin Valley Garden Club are once again hosting their annual educational workshop on Saturday, February 14, 9 AM to 12 noon.  It will be at the Wold home, at 8580 SW Wold Drive, Aloha.  (Directions:  Take Farmington Road to SW Grabhorn Road.  Follow Grabhorn past the Jenkins Estate to SW Wold Drive.  Signs will be posted.  Please consider carpooling, as parking is limited.)  If you have questions, call the OSU Extension Office, 503-821-1150.