Rose Pruning with Jenny Barnes: The Art of 'Niffing'

Rose Pruning with Jenny Barnes: The Art of 'Niffing'

One-Day Course | Monday 24th November 2025 | 9.30am - 4.00pm

We are thrilled to finally welcome Jenny Barnes to teach with us - Jenny is a long-anticipated addition to our expanding programme of garden courses.

Jenny is renowned for her distinctive, artistic and sculptural pruning technique, more commonly known as 'niffing', which has become something of a phenomenon in horticultural circles. Do take a look at Jenny's Instagram for examples of her work (@niff_barnes). We are delighted to offer this one-day course dedicated entirely to her unique approach.

About Jenny and the Art of 'Niffing'

Jenny's horticultural journey began at Asthall Manor, a Bannerman garden where she trained under the expert guidance of Head Gardener Mark Edwards, mastering the foundations of rose pruning. She went on to refine her technique during her roles as Head Gardener at Upton Wold, Cottesbrooke, and Daylesford, furthering what has now become her signature style - the sculptural and elegant method known as 'niffing'. Jenny's sculptural way of pruning brings a very attractive element to bare winter borders. Learning to create these sculptural shapes will both enhance and transform your winter borders.

This course is your chance to learn directly from Jenny and experience the beauty and precision of her work firsthand.

What the Day Includes

Arrival: 9.30am

Begin the day with coffee on arrival, followed by a talk from Jenny introducing the concept of 'niffing' — how it began, how it has evolved, and how it can be applied in your own garden.

Demonstrations

Following this you will then head outside for a day of practical demonstrations, watching Jenny work on ramblers, climbers, and shrub roses — a rare opportunity to observe pruning across all three types in one course. Most pruning workshops focus only on shrub roses, so this breadth of teaching is truly unique. With over 120 varieties of roses and close to 400 in number, Jenny has plenty of material to demonstrate with in our garden!

Throughout the sessions, Jenny will show you how to shape and sculpt your roses to encourage healthy growth, abundant flowering and stunning forms, all whilst embracing her signature creative flair.

We will then pause for a seasonal two-course lunch. The demonstrations will continue after lunch, offering plenty of opportunity to observe, ask questions, and absorb Jenny's techniques. The day will finish with tea and cake before heading home.

What to expect:

• Learn directly from Jenny Barnes, known for her unique 'niffing' method

• See pruning demonstrations on ramblers, climbers, and shrub roses

• Gain practical knowledge and artistic inspiration for your own garden

• Enjoy a delicious seasonal lunch and refreshments

• Spend a day surrounded by plants, creativity, and expert insight

  
  
  
  

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just beginning your rose-growing journey, this course will give you fresh skills, confidence, and a new way of looking at pruning - turning it into a very attractive art form taught by one of the most inspiring rose pruners working today.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is highly recommended.

Should you wish to book a place to give to a friend, we can send a personal gift voucher out to them.  Please email us if this is the case.

Please note that our courses are non-refundable, so please make sure that you are able to attend on the specified dates. However,  if Dorset Walled Garden has to postpone or cancel the event, then all monies will be refunded. We reserve the right to cancel this course if not enough places are booked onto the course​.