This week from Norfolk School of Gardening - Pruning Courses Available

We hate to go on about the weather, and we certainly welcomed the rain when it started a few weeks back, but we would really like a break now. Apart from anything else we would like to be able to get on with the list of outside jobs which is not getting shorter, and it would be lovely to be able to harvest some more seeds for next year. Happily, not all of our courses have been outside this week, and there have been some sunny moments too. We even grabbed the opportunity to have lunch outside a couple of times and catch some lovely autumn sunshine.

The new printmaking course is proving a huge success and we will definitely repeat it soon. Have a look on Facebook or Instagram if you would like to see some of the wonderful artwork which is being produced each Monday. Let us know if this is something you would be interested in doing next year.

We also had the first of our autumn pruning days this week, with a detailed look at the principles of pruning, including what to prune when as well as how, and using which tools. This was followed by a hands-on practical session tackling a wide range of shrubs and roses. The next pruning course is Renovation Pruning in November when we will look at how to prune shrubs and small trees which have been neglected for a few years. Again, this will include a practical session of guided pruning. There are a small number of spaces left on this course.

There is still a lot of colour in the garden, with late flowering annuals and perennials as well as the first of the autumn foliage on shrubs and trees. The Autumn Flowers Workshop on 23^rd October will show how to select, cut and condition flowers to make them last longer. Using locally grown autumn flowers and foliage participants will then learn how to create their own beautiful hand-tied bouquet. This is a workshop for anyone who wants to learn to create unique bouquets using home-grown flowers or ones you have bought. Get in touch to reserve a place.

The Christmas Wreath workshops are filling up but there are still some spaces on these lovely festive mornings if you would like to come on your own or with friends.

Upcoming courses with availability:

• Border Renovation – 16^th October
• Composting Made Simple – 20^th October
• Autumn Flowers Workshop – 23^rd October
• Renovation Pruning – 6^th November
• Plants for Free – 17^th November
• Planting for Year-Round Colour – 19^th November
• Christmas Wreath Workshops – 27^th November, 3^rd, 4^th, 6^th, 10^th December
• Certificate in Practical Horticulture (10-week course) – 20^th January

Plant of the Week

Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’

Crataegus persimilis ‘Prunifolia’ or the cockspur hawthorn, is a small, broad crowned deciduous tree, with long thorns and glossy leaves which turn to vibrant colours in autumn, complementing the deep red fruits. In late spring and early summer it has clusters of white flowers. It grows well in most conditions, preferring moist well drained soil and sun or partial shade and requires little pruning. Crataegus comes from the Greek kratos meaning strength, referring to the hardness of the woody bark.

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