Tickets are now on sale to the general public
Pruning pines to achieve the look they have in spaces like Portland Japanese Garden requires meticulous care and years of learning. In this demonstration, Pete Putnicki, Japanese Pruning Specialist and former Senior Gardener at Seattle Japanese Garden, will discuss the maintenance of pine trees.
This program will start with a tour of the Garden focusing on pine trees, followed by a lecture and demonstration. The demonstration will focus on candling, needling, growth regulation, and pruning techniques. Please note this demonstration does not include hands-on practice for participants.
Itinerary
Saturday, November 8th & Sunday, November 9th, 2025 / 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Check-in: 8:00 – 8:30 AM
- Program begins: 9:00 AM
- Program ends: 3:00 PM
Other Event Details
- Each session is limited to 15 participants.
- Event tickets are non-transferrable and non-refundable.
- Participants should bring their own lunch, a reusable drinking cup or water bottle.
- Educational material will be provided.
- Event fees are non-refundable and this event takes place rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather.
Meet the Instructor
Pete Putnicki is a garden maker specializing in Japanese aesthetics and techniques. Putnicki has spent over thirty years working on residential and commercial garden installation and maintenance, with an increasing emphasis on design, construction, and arboriculture.
Prior to his position as the senior gardener and now as a consultant at Seattle Japanese Garden, he was the estate garden lead, aesthetic pruning specialist, and project manager for D.M. Ohashi Landscapes, co-owner of Southern Exposure Landscapes, and an ISA Certified Arborist.
In addition to his skilled hands and keen eyes, Putnicki is sought out for his expert knowledge and professional training experience. He’s been the assistant instructor at Portland Japanese Garden’s pine pruning workshop and a presenter at the 2021 North American Japanese Garden Association’s National Conference. Putnicki has taught one of the most-requested Japanese gardening workshops at Plant Amnesty.
A history enthusiast, Putnicki enjoys speaking about the evolution of garden styles in Japan. He spends many hours every week learning about how people, culture, and the natural environments have interacted to shape our world.
Putnicki is based in Seattle, Washington, and enjoys traveling internationally.