With a focus on spring-flowering shrubs and trees that bloom on last season's growth, learn the best techniques for pruning to promote healthy growing and stunning displays of flowers.

Instructors: NEBG Staff

Hunter Blanchard

Hunter Blanchard serves as Horticulturist 2 at New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill in Boylston, MA. He has been with the organization since 2018, serving in roles that allow him to share his passion for making plants accessible to people and for nurturing growing things. Today, Hunter leads a three-person team responsible for 10 acres of naturalistic garden spaces that foster plant biodiversity and support pollinator populations through a focus on North American native plant species. He enjoys interpreting these garden spaces for visitors through tours and talks, hoping that these learning opportunities inspire people to engage more with plants at home or in other areas of their lives. A community builder, Hunter serves on the board of directors for F.E.R.N., a nonprofit that supports conservation by promoting synergy between individuals, communities, and organizations, and on the Conference Planning and Education Committees for the Ecological Landscape Alliance. Hunter holds an A.S. in sustainable horticulture from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and a B.S. in plant soil science from Umass Amherst.

Alyson Prokop

With over a decade of experience in botanical research, education, and garden management, Alyson brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to NEBG and the Education Team.

In her role as Manager of Adult Education, Alyson is passionate about advancing plant sciences learning and biodiversity through inclusive initiatives at botanical gardens. Her dedication to promoting botanical education is evident in her previous work at Royal Botanical Gardens Canada, where she coordinated workshops, tours, and community programming with a strong focus on food security issues.

Alyson's background includes formal training in plant sciences and economic botany, holding a BSc in Plant Biology and graduate studies for a MSc in Plant Pathology from the University of Guelph. Her career path has led her to managerial and curatorial roles, particularly in collections management and education.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Alyson is also an accomplished artist and printmaker. Hailing from Hamilton, Ontario, she channels her creativity into illustrating colorful and vibrant botanical sci-fi art. Her work, influenced by old sci-fi movies from the Golden Age of Film, showcases a unique blend of mid-century retro-futuristic style.

TICKET INFORMATION:

$40 Member Adult | $48 Adult (includes admission to the Garden)

To register for a class:

• Log In/Create Account: Please log in or create an account. The Login / Create Account button is in the bar at the top of this screen.
• Choose Your Event: Return to the class you wish to attend.
• Add Tickets to Your Cart: If you have not already done so, you will need to scroll to the bottom of the page and add Attendees. If you have already done this, the Attendees will be listed below. Check the box next to the desired attendees.
• Check Out: Add the class to your cart and check out. You must complete the check-out process to complete your registration. You will receive an email confirming the registration.
• Assistance: If you require assistance, please contact the Registrar at 508-869-6111 x 174 or email registrar@nebg.org. 
• Refunds & Changes: Please note that we have recently changed our refund & cancelation policy.  You can read the complete policy here.

Construction Update: The Winter Garden is currently under renovation to improve accessibility and will remain closed until Spring 2025. All other gardens remain open.