Pruning Hydrangeas: Step 1 – Regenerative Pruning Afternoon Session Option

Pruning Hydrangeas: Step 1 Regenerative Pruning – All Major Species
Saturday, March 16: 1 pm-3 pm
Click here to choose the Saturday, March 15: 10 am-12 pm

Heritage’s Curator of Hydrangeas, Mal Condon, has over many years developed the seasonal step approach to more effectively prune our beloved hydrangeas. By practicing specific pruning steps during specific times of the year you will have the best opportunity to optimize plant form and bloom density. Mal is always evaluating new strategies and routinely refines his best practices, generously sharing his knowledge and experience through his teachings. Join us as he presents the critical details of this important Step 1 – Regenerative Pruning – as it applies to all major species.

During this small group session, you’ll learn how to identify and remove dead and declining wood while retaining strong, productive stems that will yield improved plant vigor, increase bloom count, check plant height, and enhance overall ornamental value. Mal’s detailed remarks will cover each major species and all the tools, tips, and techniques you’ll need for success with your own plants. Even with all there is to cover in this program, there will still be plenty of time allotted for questions and discussion. You will also receive a PDF handout of Mal’s presentation containing all the relevant text and graphics following the program for your reference. And, as Step 1 Pruning is a late winter / early spring practice, you can apply your new knowledge at home almost immediately! Advance registration is required, and we expect this popular program to sell out quickly.

This program will take place rain or shine. In good weather, much of it will take place outdoors in the gardens. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held fully indoors inside the Heald Center at the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery.

Program fees fund Heritage’s mission to inspire people of all ages to explore, discover, and learn together. Thank you for your support. Program Registration Fee:  $30 Members, $40 Non-Members

Mal Condon, Curator of Hydrangeas:

A lifelong gardener, Mal is locally known as “The Hydrangea Guy” and has been collecting, propagating, and growing hydrangeas for nearly 50 years. He and his wife Mary Kay owned and operated Hydrangea Farm Nursery on Nantucket Island for many years. Early in 2014 they “retired” to Yarmouth Port on Cape Cod and continue to refine their significant garden which is open during the annual Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival. Mal joined Heritage in 2016, and as the “hydrangea whisperer” on the property, he’s especially devoted to the continuing expansion and evolution of the Hydrangea Display Garden and the North American Hydrangea Test Garden.