Pruning is more than just a garden chore—it is a powerful therapeutic tool. By adapting these techniques, individuals and groups can find unique opportunities for reflection and emotional growth.
Goals That Can Be Address Through Pruning
- Release of negative emotions
- Increased awareness / Mindfulness
- Changing bad habits
- Reflection of the past
- Intentionality
- Self-reflection
- New beginnings
- Personal growth / Transformation
- Self-control
Pruning Activities
Whether you're working with small container plants in a tabletop setting or tackling larger pruning projects in the landscape, we offer resources to guide you through the process.
- Personal Growth Metaphor: Deciduous Fruit Tree Pruning | THAD | UF
- Pruning Your Fears | THAD | UF
- NC State Extension Publications | Browse by Series: Pruning Trees & Shrubs
Pruning Safety
Safety is a important consideration when planning this activity and make sure your participants will be safe and able to use pruning shears or snips. If safety is a concern, soft plants that can be pinched out by hand (marigold, jade, basil, oregano) are good choices. Herbs provide the added benefit of the scent release during the pruning process, which can be incorporated into your session.
Plants that work well for tabletop pruning activities
- Baby’s tears Soleirolia soleirolii
- Basil, especially compact varieties Ocimum basilicum
- Bonsai Bonsai
- Coral honeysuckle - Standard form Lonicera sempervirens
- Cuban oregano varieties Plectranthus amboinicus
- Dwarf curry
- Jades
- Jasmine - Standard form
- Kalanachoe marginata
- Lavender
- Lemon balm
- Lemon verbena
- Maples
- Mexican Bush Sage
- Mexican oregano
- Rosemary
- Philodendron - trailing varieties
- Pineapple sage
- Pothos
- Pot marjoram Origanum majorana
- Vicks plant
