Volunteers needed! Register now to help prune McKinley Park rose garden

McKinley Park’s famous Memorial Rose Garden needs its annual pruning – and volunteers to do it. But instead of tackling all 1,200 roses in just one day, the City of Sacramento’s Parks and Recreation Department is spreading the task over several Saturdays in January and February (plus one Wednesday).

Registration is now open for “Rose Garden Pruning Event,” free and open to any one “less than 100 years,” says the city’s website.

The city’s Park Maintenance Department (PMD) will oversee the volunteers on the first two Saturdays, Jan. 6 and 13. After that, the volunteers will be supervised by parks personnel or other volunteers.

“Volunteers should plan to meet at the Rose Garden,” say the organizers. “Tools, gloves and instruction will be provided. Please dress appropriately for working outdoors, including closed-toe shoes.”

And maybe a rain slicker, too; the pruning sessions will take place, rain or shine.

On the south edge off McKinley Park, the Frederick N. Evans Memorial Rose Garden – named for Sacramento’s first parks superintendent – is located on H Street between Alhambra Boulevard and 33rd Street in East Sacramento. Originally planted in 1929, the rose garden replaced what was a running track (hence its oblong shape). In 2012, the bushes were almost entirely replaced with newer, disease-resistant varieties.

For the pruning events, volunteers are asked to assemble at 8:30 a.m. at the park’s Rose Garden Room, the small structure located on the north side of the garden. The sessions are expected to last 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. each day.

Besides Jan. 6 and 13, pruning sessions are also planned for Jan. 20 and 27 plus Feb. 10 and 17 – all Saturdays. In addition, the pruning crew will be out at 8:30 Wednesday, Jan. 17.

Volunteers under age 18 need a parent’s consent form in order to participate.