The Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual Rose Pruning Day, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Jan. 10 at Mission Historical Park, 502 E. Los Olivos St.

A January tradition for decades, 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 more tha 100 people. The Parks and Recreation Department is seeking up to 150 volunteers for the Jan.10 event.


“Local volunteers play a vital role in caring for the more than 1,500 rose bushes in the park. Their efforts during the January pruning event ensure that the garden is ready for mulching and feeding as soon as new growth begins in February,” the city said.

Volunteers can drop in at any time during the three-hour event. No special 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, 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.

In the event of rain, the volunteer day will be moved to Saturday, Jan. 17.

Learn more about this event and other ways to get involved at SantaBarbaraCA.gov/ParkVolunteer.