In article , TheScullster pscull@cu
tthespameuropacrown.com writes
Last year I planted a mixed informal hedging kind of border around our front
garden alongside a public pavement.
The plants were generally pot grown.
I am eager to keep this compact(ish) on the pavement side, but more
"natural" on our garden side.
The plants are now about 2 feet tall and comprise:

Photinia - red robin

Cut back new growth once it has lost its colour - new red growth will
appear.

Cotoneaster

Not necessary - just remove unwanted or damaged branches in spring

Honeysuckle

Remove unwanted stems when flowering finished and at the same time
remove some of the older stems.

Viburnum

Not necessary - cut back old or damaged branches after flowering
(deciduous types) or in May (evergreen types)

Escallonia

In autumn, prune back shoots which have flowered.

Eleagnus

Not necessary - cut back unwanted branches in spring

My question is, when should I start pruning these to ensure that healthy
growth is maintained towards the base of these?
Which should I "hedge trim" and which to prune with secateurs?
I don't want to end up with spindly tall specimens, as I will be relying on
these for some degree of privacy.
My intention with regard to final height is 4-5 feet, with viburnums allowed
a little higher.

Any other tips on maintenance greatly appreciated from the newbie of all
newbies!

Buy yourself a book on pruning shrubs - Hessayon (from which the above
answers were obtained) is good if you are a beginner.
--
Jane Ransom in Lancaster.
I won't respond to private emails that are on topic for urg
but if you need to email me for any other reason, put ransoms
at jandg dot demon dot co dot uk where you see