Pruning tips for cautious gardeners

While many gardeners fear getting the secateurs out of their shed and embarking on pruning, it is an essential part of keeping gardens looking their best, says the Times.

It is best to stick to the shrub´s natural shape to avoid new growth shooting off in an irregular way and gardeners should not take off more than a quarter of a plant´s bulk.

Additionally, it can be a good idea to divide pruning work into regenerative and formative cutting. The former is for when plants are becoming out of control while the latter is generally to give younger shrubs an improved shape.

Some families of plant, such as hydrangeas, react well to being cut back harshly and produce a lot of new growth.

If it is necessary to create space for bulbs at floor level, cutting a shrub from the bottom up can be the best way to proceed, providing a new patch of shady ground.

Earlier this month, gardeners were advised by the website Ratedpeople.com that to ensure good growth in the spring they should not ignore their lawn during the winter months.

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  Written by Robin Antill+ Started making garden sheds in 1979. so 31 years experience. Online since 1996. 1st in UK.