Be a Deadhead(er)

By Tamara Galbraith Summer’s in full swing, and your previously lovely flowers are starting to look a little ragged around the edges. Many plants will benefit–and even rebloom–after a mid-summer session of “deadheading,” that is, removing spent flowers and/or stems to promote new growth. Here’s a quick overview of deadheading techniques for different types of flowers: •Pinch off...

Pruning Dedciduous Fruit Trees

All deciduous fruit trees need to be pruned at least once a year for good shape and to bear fruit. The rule of thumb with pruning deciduous fruit trees is to prune while the trees are dormant, after the leaves have fallen to the ground but before new buds have swelled. Each type of fruit tree needs to be pruned differently, so it’s important to know which kind of tree you’re pruning and how to prune it properly....

Be a Deadheader

By: Tamara Galbraith Summer’s in full swing, and your previously glorious flowers are starting to look a little ragged around the edges. Many plants will benefit–and even rebloom–after a mid-summer session of “deadheading,” that is, removing spent flowers and/or stems to promote new growth. Here’s a quick guide of deadheading techniques for different types of flowers: Pinch off individual...

Time to Trim Those Plants

Summer’s blasts of heat can make even the hardiest of shrubs look brown, tired, and just plain ugly. Now is the time to give your bushes a haircut. Trimming the ends of the plant encourages new lush, green growth. Be certain to remove any brown, dead branches to open up the space and help the plant fill in the voids. Ground covers like ivy will also benefit from a trimming. Within weeks, new growth will appear, giving...