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Thu, Apr 22, 10 at 12:58
| I live in a community where most shrubs are either hedge trimmed straight across the top or pruned into perfect balls. I am trying to cut the shrubs in my back yard into pleasing forms. Does anyone know of a good book that explains how to prune shrubs into different shapes (not specifically topiary) ? Or can you share some inspiring pictures? Tia, Marlene |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by dan_staley 5b/S 2b AHS 6-7 (My Page) on Thu, Apr 22, 10 at 17:52
| Sunset Western Gardening Book is perhaps the best resource overall for all your needs. Pruning is in there. Dan |
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| Various books on pruning are at libraries and book stores. These tell you how to get attractive effects. Two of the more comprehensive ones are The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers and The AHS Guide to Pruning & Training. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Pruning Information from Plant Amnesty
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- Posted by gardengal48 PNW zone 8 (My Page) on Fri, Apr 23, 10 at 14:55
| And I'd have to disagree on the value of the Sunset book with regards to pruning info. The data is very abbreviated and generalized, consisting of only 2 1/2 pages. The books Ron mentions are much better sources, both for detail and visual representation. FWIW, the most 'pleasing' form is typically that which is closest to the natural plant form. Research your shrubs and understand their individual growth habits and prune in concert with that. |
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- Posted by dan_staley 5b/S 2b AHS 6-7 (My Page) on Fri, Apr 23, 10 at 15:59
| Nonetheless, Sunset is still one of the best refs overall and all the important pruning cuts are in there, albeit not a chapter on each with 40 photographs. We have the AHS here and there is beaucoup info and pix in there for sure. And I do like the plant amnesty linky...ahhh I miss Seattle sometimes. Dan |
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| Thank you all so much - I appreciate the suggestions. I have a couple books on pruning but the ones I have didn't address some of my questions. Bboy, Plant Amnesty is terrific. Thanks so much for that link. The first article I read discussed Abelias and Spireas - I have a lot of these. Will check out the other books suggested as well. |
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