Join Anna Fialkoff, horticulturist at Connecticut College Arboretum, for a workshop on ecological pruning during the dormant season. With leaves down and the bones of the garden revealed, winter is a great time to evaluate and prune woody plants for their structure, form, health, and vigor. Plus, hibernating creatures and frozen ground make ideal timing for tromping around garden beds with minimal disturbance.

During this two-hour workshop at Fort Williams Park, Anna will demonstrate best pruning techniques and provide an overview of basic pruning principles, while emphasizing how to enhance wildlife habitat. Participants will get hands-on experience with selecting tools, making proper cuts, and assessing trees and shrubs for pruning goals.

Anna Fialkoff joined Connecticut College Arboretum as its Horticulturist in 2023. Under her supervision, horticulture staff and student landscape assistants steward the Arboretum’s collections and natural areas, including a 30-acre Native Plant Collection. Previously as the Ecological Programs Manager for Wild Seed Project, Anna led the creation of the organization’s annual publication, worked with local partners on demonstration plantings and taught educational programs. Anna got her start in ecological horticulture in 2010 as an apprentice for Native Plant Trust and later became Senior Horticulturist at the organization’s botanical garden in Massachusetts. Anna holds a BA in Human Ecology from College of the Atlantic and an MS in Ecological Design from The Conway School.

In case of inclement weather, the rain date is Sunday, March 22 1:00 - 3:00 PM.