On Tuesday, March 25, 2014 2:48:19 PM UTC, Spider wrote:



I think we've just learned that anybody *can't* do it. What anybody

*can* do is ignorantly snip off a length of plant with secateurs.

Really understanding *why* ones taking out that particular bit of plant

is what makes a good gardener. I'm reasonably good at pruning but, when

faced with a plant I'm not familiar with, I always stop and ask myself:

"Why am I cutting out this branch? Does it flower on this year's wood or

older wood?" It's that thinking and learning process that makes the

difference.

Yes it seems a natural thing to do, but sadly it often starts with something like "Plants are supposed to be pruned aren't they, it's a nice day today so lets just go and hack about the garden"
Our next door neighbour (not a guy who invites advice) 'pruned' his lovely old
Casino rose a couple of years ago in full flower -just hacked pieces off - no idea why or what or was it necessary -Hadn't had time to do it before he said.

Rod