by Vicki Skinner

Wendy Hammond demonstrating rose pruning. Photo: Vicki Skinner.

Reprinted with permission of the La Honda Voice.

The third weekend in January, over a dozen people gathered in a neighbor’s rose garden for a free pruning demonstration. The attendees sat enthralled while Wendy Hammond talked with them for close to two hours. Rob Christian said, “I came down to watch football with my neighbor Fred, but never even made it into the house.” Then Hammond went into the backyard to show how to prune a hydrangea and moved up to a third garden to give instruction on wisteria.

Trudy Schoneman, an attendee of the pruning demonstration said, “I finally learned how to prune a rose bush. … When she [Wendy] explained her thinking behind each cut, I began to understand the complexity of pruning. Wendy discussed the removal of dead, damaged or diseased growth and when to make a thinning [or heading] cut, as well as pruning to promote flowers and control the size or shape of the bush. I now feel that I can prune my bushes with confidence. I especially appreciated Wendy explaining her preferences for a variety of pruning tools and safety equipment. I realize that I need to make a few more purchases to prune safely and effectively.”

Wendy Hammond pruning a tree. Photo courtesy of Hammond.

Hammond was most recently employed as a lead gardener from 2006-08 at Filoli Center for the Woodland and Walled Garden section. Before becoming a lead gardener she held the position of assistant horticulturalist from 2003-06. Before Filoli, she interned at Threave Gardens in Castle Douglas, Scotland and Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania. Hammond has a degree in horticulture and landscape management from the University of Maryland. Since leaving Filoli Center, she continues her education by attending pruning workshops and classes at San Luis Obispo, Davis, and Merritt College.

Hammond said, “It is important for my clients to know that my mission is to address their concerns while still regarding the health of the plant and its ornamental value in the landscape. She added, “My focus is on vines, shrubs and trees up to 15 feet in height, including specimens with edible fruit or nuts.” You can get in touch with Hammond to set up a free consultation for pruning at 650-747-9780.