Throughout the year, the New Canaan Beautification League offers a variety of educational programs, hands-on workshops, garden tours, and special events designed to inspire a love of gardening, conservation, and community beautification. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply enjoy beautiful places and connecting with your community, there’s something for everyone. Many programs are free and open to the public, while others are reserved for members or require advance registration. Please see the calendar below for details. Please click the title of each event to register!
Click here to view past recorded programs on our YouTube channel.
Members Only – Pruning Meditation: Mindful Pruning in the Japanese Garden Tradition
In collaboration with the Japan Society of Fairfield County.
Join us for a unique hands-on program exploring how caring for a Japanese garden can become a calming, focused practice. This is not a meditation class. Instead, Japanese master gardener Mr. Umeno will demonstrate how attentive pruning encourages mindfulness through careful observation, patience, and responsiveness to the garden’s needs.
The program begins with an introduction by local landscape architect and Japanese garden designer Mr. Kurimoto, who will share the principles of Japanese gardens and the important role of the gardener. Mr. Umeno, from Kyoto, Japan, will then demonstrate his thoughtful approach to everyday garden care and the mindset behind it.
Participants will learn the philosophy of Japanese gardens, watch a live pruning demonstration, and then have the opportunity to practice these techniques in the garden under guidance.
Space is limited to 30 participants. Please bring a pair of small hand-pruning shears. Please see your email from New Canaan Beautification League for registration information.