Pruning the Japanese Garden

Our February program featured Maymont’s Senior Manager of Horticulture and Grounds, Sean Proietti, speaking about “Pruning the Japanese Garden.” Sean manages the day-to-day care and preservation of 100 acres of green space at Maymont. He received degrees in Economics and English from Virginia Commonwealth University but was unable to trade the outdoors for an office. For 17 years, he has served the community by sharing his love of the public gardens at Maymont. The members learned about the garden’s history and the involvement of IOR in the continuing development of the Japanese garden. He provided wonderful tips on specific plant materials and considerations for plant purchases in light of damage related to deer and the warmer climate. The program closed with his comments about an annual pruning schedule and how best to approach thinning out trees.

Winter Woodland

In the workshop following, Sean provided line material to celebrate the beauty of bare branches in winter. Our own Annette Ernst led the workshop “Winter Woodland,” which was for all levels and schools. Participants brought a nagiere or moribana container and added small rocks, wood or moss to enhance their design. Lunch was included as well as flowers and supporting materials. It was a wonderful and relaxed winter break.