Gardens & Tonic: Creative Pruning Techniques: The Gibson Method

This program is part of the Delco ARTS Week celebration. 

There are right and wrong ways to do anything. Pruning the wrong way can lead to numerous issues for the tree in the long run. Have no fear, the Gibson Method is here! In this lecture, you’ll learn proper pruning techniques that can help enhance the beauty of any tree and space. We’ll cover tools and maintenance and discuss the Gibson Method for creative pruning so you’ll be able to sculpt your very own topiary.

Gardens & Tonic is a series of virtual presentations about plant-related topics, including adventures, art, and garden design. Join us to explore the world of plants from a new perspective. NEW THIS YEAR: Participants will receive a curated recipe for a botanical beverage to make and enjoy during each presentation.

Presentations are generally 30 to 45 minutes with time at the end for questions and answers.

Registration is free, but required to receive the beverage recipes and Zoom webinar and recording links.

Register Now

Program Details

• Registration is free, but required to receive the Zoom webinar and recording links.
• The webinar link will be included in the confirmation email received after registering online.
• This webinar will be recorded and available for 2 weeks after the presentation.
• Recording link will be provided 2 days after the webinar.
• Participants must download Zoom.
• Email us if you have accessibility needs for this program.
• For more information, review our program and event policies or call the Scott Arboretum office at 610-328-8025. 

Help keep these virtual programs free! If you would like to help fund the Gardens & Tonic series, we invite you to donate online or with a check for your desired amount to: the Associates of the Scott Arboretum with a note on the memo line “For G&T series.” Thank you!

About the Presenter 

Mike Gibson is a world renowned, self-taught topiary artist from Youngstown, OH, who has over 30 years experience in beautifying public spaces. Starting at a young age, he quickly found his passion in art and nature which has led him to a successful career as one of the nation’s leading topiary artists and educators in the industry. After leading one of the company’s top stores as a Sales Manager for Staples, Gibson decided to follow his passion of topiary and run his company, Gibson Works LLC full time in 2019. Mike has been a featured contestant on HGTV’s reality tv show Clipped with Martha Stewart, was previously the artist-in-residence at the famed Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden, was awarded the Garden Scholar Award from the APGA, and in 2024 was an inaugural recipient of the Sowing Excellence Award from the IDEA Center for Public Gardens and the U.S Botanic Garden. To date, he’s created over 600 topiaries to help beautify public spaces across the country. Passionate about spreading his knowledge to the world, Gibson leads lectures, demonstrations, and Topiary Therapy workshops, educating garden communities on the art and therapeutic benefits of topiary. He currently resides in Columbia, SC with his wife and two children.