Pruning

Pruning Calendar

Pruning Calendar

One of the more common questions that newer gardeners might ask is, “when is the best time of year to prune __________?” This pruning calendar can help guide you to the best times to prune your garden plants. You’ll also find links to other posts with more in-depth information on how to prune, pruning specific plants and categories of plants, and pruning in individual seasons.

How to Prune Roses

How to Prune Roses

The world’s favorite flower just might be the rose, inspiring epic romantic poetry, sonnets, even wars, for thousands of years. And, in addition to bestowing elegance and altering the course of history, roses offer us an astonishing variety of flower types, fragrances, and colors! So we want to keep them looking their best, and proper pruning can significantly improve most roses’ blooming performance and overall health.

Winter Pruning Tips

Winter Pruning Tips

Winter is a fine time to prune many trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses. Arguably, it's the best time, as you can more easily see the "bones" of the garden, worry less about damaging smaller, neighboring plants, and it gets you out of the house to do something physical. 

Pruning Rhododendrons

Pruning Rhododendrons

Rhododendrons, arguably the Maritime Northwest’s most beloved plants, can vary from two-foot-high dwarf shrubs to 30-foot trees. Most varieties don’t typically need a lot of pruning for their first several years but over time, many rhodies grow a dense weave of thick-wooded branches, and the thought of pruning one can intimidate all but the most experienced gardener. Of course, we are here to help!