Bradford Garden Centre to Host Pruning Masterclass

Ever stared at a rose bush in the garden, secateurs in hand, and felt a bit lost? It’s a common feeling. Knowing when, where, and how much to snip can be the difference between a sad-looking plant and a bush bursting with beautiful blooms. For anyone in Yorkshire looking to get it right, a fantastic opportunity is coming up. The Bradford-based Tong Garden Centre is teaming up with one of the most famous names in the world of roses, David Austin Roses, for a special hands-on pruning masterclass. This isn't just a lecture; it's a chance to learn practical skills from a true expert and walk away with the confidence to make any rose flourish. This unique event provides everything needed to transform a nervous gardener into a rose-pruning pro.

Get expert guidance from the best in the business

When it comes to roses, the name David Austin is legendary. For decades, David Austin Roses has been breeding some of the most stunning and fragrant English roses found in gardens across the globe. So, when an expert from this long-established, family-owned breeder offers care advice, gardeners listen. On Tuesday, 24th February, one of their specialists will be at the Tong Garden Centre in Bradford to lead a detailed pruning masterclass. This event is designed to demystify the art of rose care. It’s a chance to get direct, practical guidance that just can't be found in a book or an online video. The session is all about learning by doing, ensuring that the skills learned will actually stick. This is a rare opportunity to receive coaching from a leading expert right here in Yorkshire. The Bradford garden centre is hosting this exclusive masterclass to give local gardeners the skills they need for a beautiful garden full of healthy roses. The whole point is to build confidence and provide clear, expert care advice that works.

What the day holds

The event, which takes place in The Mezzanine at Tong Garden Centre, promises a comprehensive and enjoyable experience. Recognising the popularity of the event, the centre has scheduled two separate times to accommodate everyone: a morning session at 10 am and an afternoon session at 2 pm. According to Yorkshire Garden Centres’ Commercial Plant Manager, Marc Salama, this was a necessary step. “Due to demand for the morning session, we have decided to host an afternoon session too. The audience will enjoy a two and a half hour Q&A session and practical masterclass plus delicious refreshments.” Each two-and-a-half-hour session is carefully structured to provide maximum value.

It kicks off with a practical masterclass where attendees will get their hands dirty with some hands-on pruning. This is followed by a detailed Q&A, a perfect time to ask that one question about a troublesome rose that’s been bugging them for ages. And, of course, no friendly get-together is complete without some lovely refreshments. The entire session is designed to be informative yet relaxed. Marc Salama also highlighted the timing, stating, “February is the perfect time to prune roses, and this session will equip you with all the skills you need to tackle your pruning with confidence.” It’s a complete package designed to provide both the skills and the self-assurance for perfect rose pruning.

More than just a lesson in pruning

The £65 tickets for this masterclass offer more than just a lesson. Each attendee will receive a beautiful David Austin rose to use during the practical part of the session, which they then get to take home. This means they not only leave with new knowledge but also with a new addition for their garden. But the perks don't stop there. There’s also an exciting opportunity for everyone who attends. One lucky person will win a Sir David Beckham rose. This isn't just any rose; it's a brand-new variety that is set to be officially launched to the public at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show later in May. Winning it would mean having one of the year's most anticipated new roses before almost anyone else. This exclusive opportunity adds a layer of excitement to an already brilliant event. The combination of expert training, a free rose, delicious refreshments, and the chance to win a celebrity-named flower makes the ticket price an excellent investment for any gardening enthusiast. This masterclass at Tong Garden Centre is truly a complete experience for anyone passionate about roses.

How to secure a spot

For those keen to master the art of pruning, securing a spot is the next step. The masterclass will be held at Tong Garden Centre in Bradford on Tuesday, 24th February, with a session at 10 am and another at 2 pm. Given that the second session was added due to high demand, it’s a good idea to book tickets sooner rather than later. The £65 tickets cover the full two-and-a-half-hour experience, including the expert-led practical masterclass, the Q&A session, the David Austin rose to take home, and all refreshments.

Tong Garden Centre is part of the well-regarded Yorkshire Garden Centres family, which also includes garden centres in Tingley, Otley, Bingley, York, Scarborough, and the Pennine Garden Centre, so visitors can expect a high-quality event at a beloved Yorkshire location. This pruning masterclass is more than just a one-off lesson; it's an investment in skills that will bring joy to the garden for many seasons to come. It’s the perfect opportunity to learn, ask questions, and get hands-on experience with a beautiful rose.