Herbaceous perennials: get rid of any untidy varieties that lack decorative seed-heads, including the following: delphiniums, lupins, peonies, phlox and asters. If you have great clumps of the stuff use shears – quicker and just as effective as secateurs.
Mediterranean Shrubs: any sun-loving shrubs that will not tolerate hard pruning in winter, such as: cistus, lavender and rosemary. Don’t be too fierce with these as they will find it hard to regenerate from just bare wood. Just trim off spent flowers and tidy up the overall shape. Leave French lavender until the spring as they are much more tender than their English cousins.
Yew: tough, hardy yew can tolerate later pruning than most other hedging plants – so leave them to last. Yew will be fine with just one annual cut so do it in autumn and you will have crisp, sharp outlines all winter.
Ornamental trees: such as acers and sorbus provide beautiful autumn colour as the borders begin to fade. Once the leaves have fallen prune ornamental trees while dormant, during autumn and early winter.
Of course there’s a lot of skill involved in first rate pruning
but don’t worry – give it a go but take the time to check out what it is you are trimming – the internet is full of good advice and clear diagrams. Good luck – this is an exciting time in the garden when we get back to basics and prepare for the glory of next summer!
