Annual Rose Pruning Day at Mission Historical Park

Each January, the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department hosts a Rose Pruning Day at Mission Historical Park. A new-year tradition for decades, volunteers are invited to spend the morning in the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden helping to prune the approximately 1-acre garden in preparation for spring growth. This volunteer pruning event ensures that the garden is ready for mulching and feeding as soon as new growth begins in February. Volunteers are welcome to drop in at any time during the 3-hour event. No special experience is required, as Santa Barbara Rose Society member and resident rosarian Dan Bifano will provide pruning demonstrations throughout the morning. Volunteers are asked to bring their own gloves and tools, including hand pruners, loppers, and small handsaws, but a limited supply will be available. Parks and Recreation staff will be onsite to help sharpen and sanitize tools before pruning begins. Sturdy clothes, including long sleeves and pants, and sun protection are recommended.