Lovely, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. But please do keep in touch with us if you need anymore help. Here’s mine, bought in 1996, bits of paper stuck in the shrubs I have here.
I appreciate that (yes I think I have bought the same edition). You may regret the offer of more help though
I have the p/back version of that book but try not to do what I do.
ie Hack back Prune a shrub and then think "Oh 'eck - is it the right time? Did I do it the right way?" and then consult the book. Try to do it before you use the loppers.😁
If it's any consolation though, I don't think I've ever lost a shrub or tree by pruning the 'wrong' way or at the 'right' time. I don't think one has ever died because it was cut back 'too hard' either - usually rejuvenates them. Plants want to grow - it's what they do best.🙂
Gardeners like to share - it's what we do best🙂
Heaven is ... sitting in the garden with a G&T and a cat while watching the sun go down
I have been told the Japanese have a saying about pruning. Flowers are ephemeral, so prune for structure first. I think what they mean is even if you have to sacrifice a seasons flowers, prune as required for now. Some plants may take several seasons work to get them looking "right".
I prune/saw the hydrangeas down to the ground every 3 or 4 years, not all over the garden though so there’s always some in flower in some in full green.
The Holly tree that was growing huge, sawed down to 6”, sprouted out everywhere.
But use the book as a guide when you’re a beginner, you’ll learn as time goes on what you can take liberties with.
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
Funny you mention hydrangea, as part of the overgrowth elsewhere there was a hydrangea which was trapped between two other shrubs. Basically a wirey woody mess which I had to cut right down to even get out. I moved it to a new location, watered it well and fresh new shoots. Only checked it after reading your post!
Don't start her about hydrangeas!!! She'll put up pictures!!!!!!! Then we'll all want some, buy some, be jealous cos ours don't look like that. No good will come of it! 🤣
Never a good idea, just go with what you have, find plants that like your type of soil, never really works to try to change it. I remember my mum trying to do that many years ago, bought some stuff, put a load of rusty nails down, you know the sort, everyone’s dad had a baby milk tin full of rusty nails😀
Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor.
Posts
ie Hack back Prune a shrub and then think "Oh 'eck - is it the right time? Did I do it the right way?" and then consult the book. Try to do it before you use the loppers.😁
If it's any consolation though, I don't think I've ever lost a shrub or tree by pruning the 'wrong' way or at the 'right' time. I don't think one has ever died because it was cut back 'too hard' either - usually rejuvenates them. Plants want to grow - it's what they do best.🙂
Gardeners like to share - it's what we do best🙂