Garden books to the rescue

We are approaching a time of the year when many shrubs may need pruning and a little knowledge can be very helpful. Years ago it seemed that it was almost compulsory for a garden-owning person to have at least one book that described how to prune every type of shrub, tree and perennial imaginable. Like me, you probably have such a book sat on the shelf right now. It may even be a Readers Digest book or Royal Horticultural Society publication, or a treasured antique volume passed down from a grandfather, whatever the source one thing that rarely changes is the knowledge about pruning – all books generally agree on the same techniques for whatever plant. Good pruning of shrubs therefore begins with the correct information, either from memory, a book, the internet or even just ask someone. Set off with the correct instructions and even a beginner gardener will correctly trim, shape and prune shrubs – it’s nothing too difficult! Yet it is a skill and to a certain extent an art. It’s something to be proud of especially when the new growth starts and the flowers and shape of the shrub exceed all expectations because it’s being properly cared for. And being properly cared for is what it’s about. There was the phrase ‘Jungle bashing’ a few years ago better described nowadays as ‘Hack and Slash’ which is all too self explanatory. I, open mouthed and amazed, sadly witnessed a gardening company rashly working in a private garden in Leeds this month that both gardening skill and a copy of Successful Pruning had obviously missed. They preferred petrol chainsaws and hedge trimmers instead of secateurs and loppers with very mixed results at best. It could have been so much better with just a little care. Gardening books are full of great information about when to prune, how to prune, even IF to prune. This basic information generally follows a theme through most plants, it can make a huge difference to a garden and bring about fantastic results and when done correctly can prolong the life of plants rather than letting them get straggly or over large. There is another aspect to pruning: it is generally quicker to do a good job and do it well with the correct results than to be too ambitious and assume everything needs ‘short back and sides’ once a year. Gardens, plants and their gardener do tend to get into a routine through the year which makes things much easier and spaces tasks and jobs out. If any doubt about pruning then any book that has clear concise information is ideal. Also the RHS website has a lot of great helpful advice and information on a huge range of plants, with approximately 3000 shrubs. It is a great source for finding out how to look after them all year round. I use their website and database and find it great.