Between storms, Prune-a-thon set for Saturday at McKinley Rose Garden

It may be soggy, but we’ll be pruning. Despite heavy rains this past week, the Prune-a-thon at McKinley Park’s Memorial Rose Garden is expected to be held as scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 7.

Sacramento-area parks were closed mid-week due to concerns about falling trees and branches. (Or in the case of the rose garden, falling palm fronds.) But all parks are expected to be reopened by Saturday morning.

From 9 a.m. to noon, volunteers will be out in force to prune the beloved garden in McKinley Park.

Located on H Street near 33rd Street in East Sacramento, the rose garden is home to about 1,200 rose bushes, all in need of some TLC. All volunteers are welcome; no experience is necessary.

Skilled rosarians from the Sacramento Rose Society will lead volunteers, supervised by Sacramento parks employees.

Registration and parking are free. Water and light lunch will be provided. Volunteers under age 18 must have a parent’s or guardian’s signature to participate. Tools and instruction will be provided. Bring gloves and, if possible, bypass pruners.

Dress warmly. Considering how muddy the garden will be, wear closed-toe, water-repellent shoes or boots.

The Prune-a-thon is a great opportunity to learn about roses or reinvigorate pruning skills. It’s also a wonderful chance to show this historic rose garden some love.

In addition to tackling pruning (the biggest chore in any rose garden), the Prune-a-thon serves as a recruiting event for year-round rose garden volunteers.

Can’t make it Saturday? A second Prune-a-thon session is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 14.

For details and to register in advance via QR code: https://bit.ly/3HQU9JM