Norfolk School of Gardening Transforms Branches into Border Edging

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The Norfolk School of Gardening recently held a volunteer morning where participants transformed discarded tree branches into elegant border edging for the garden paths. The school also provided pruning lessons for its Certificate in Practical Horticulture students, teaching them how to properly clean, sharpen, and use secateurs. Additionally, the school introduced the 'Plant of the Week', the winter-flowering Clematis cirrhosa 'Wisley Cream', and announced upcoming gardening courses.

Why it matters

The Norfolk School of Gardening's efforts to repurpose discarded materials and teach practical gardening skills demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and community-based education. By transforming waste into functional garden features and providing hands-on training, the school is helping to promote environmentally conscious practices and empower local gardeners.

The details

During the volunteer morning, participants selected branches from a fallen red oak tree and carefully arranged them along the garden paths to create a natural, wavy border. This replaced the previous box hedges that had fallen victim to the box moth. The branches not only enhance the visual appeal of the garden but also improve safety and tidiness, especially during wet or icy conditions. The school's Certificate in Practical Horticulture students also received lessons on pruning, learning how to clean and sharpen secateurs, as well as the proper techniques for pruning different shrubs and climbers.

• The volunteer morning took place recently at the Norfolk School of Gardening.
• The school's Certificate in Practical Horticulture students learned pruning techniques during their first lesson.
• The school is introducing the 'Plant of the Week', Clematis cirrhosa 'Wisley Cream', which blooms from December to early spring.

What’s next

The Norfolk School of Gardening is offering upcoming courses on advanced practical gardening, chainsaw use, pruning shrubs and roses, willow and hazel plant supports, and more.