The Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual Rose Pruning Day, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 at Mission Historical Park, corner of Los Olivos and Laguna streets, across from the Santa Barbara Mission.

Volunteers pruning rose plants at A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden.
Volunteers help cut back plants at Santa Barbara Rose Garden. Credit: Courtesy photo

A January tradition for some 40 years, volunteers are invited to spend the morning at the A.C. Postel Memorial Rose Garden to prune the approximately one-acre garden in preparation for spring growth.

In recent years, the event has drawn up to 100 people. The Parks and Recreation Department is seeking up to 150 volunteers for the 2024 event. 

“Volunteers play an important role in caring for more than 1,500 rose bushes in the park,” said Ignacio Valdez, parks supervisor.

“Having many people participate in this event each January means staff are ready to mulch and feed the roses as soon as new growth starts in February,” he said.  

Volunteers can drop in at any time during the event. No experience is required, as pruning demonstrations will be provided by Santa Barbara Rose Society member and resident rosarian Dan Bifano.

Volunteers are asked to bring their own gloves and tools, including hand pruners, loppers, and small handsaws. A limited supply will be available, and parks and rec staff will help sharpen and sanitize tools before pruning begins.

Sturdy clothes, including long pants, long-sleeve shirts, and sun protection are recommended.  

In the event of rain, the volunteer day will be moved to Saturday, Jan. 20.  

Learn more about this event and other Parks and Recreation Department volunteer opportunities at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ParksVolunteer.