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Last Updated: Nov 14, 2008 - 12:49:26 PM |
Of late, the creeping raspberry I planted several years back in our front yard in a bed along the curb began looking quite ratty; and to make matters worse, the ivy trained to grow on the brick mailbox that is standing in the same bed went totally out of control. So tired I got of seeing the unkempt look at such a prime location of our property, that one day I decided to be tough and hack them both, the ivy as well the creeping raspberry. Now I couldn’t be happier, for the ivy has covered the mailbox neatly with lots of fresh, lush green growth and the raspberry is making a nice, healthy comeback.
The initial intent of the landscaping project, interestingly, was seemingly apt: To create a curb-appeal at an area where few plants would survive because of the shallow root system of a nearby silver maple tree. While it indeed was a bit of a challenge to find plants that will meet the need, the creeping raspberry, being a rather carefree groundcover, and the tried-and-true ivy appeared to be what the doctor ordered; with its prostrate branches covered with deep green, lobed leaves, the raspberry plants, within a few years’ time, created a lovely mat, nonetheless giving me enough room in between to plant spring-flowering bulbs as well as pansies for added color, and the ivy, of course, took no time to take off, covering the mailbox gracefully.
With little care, the project did at first provide the nice appeal I was looking for, but during the course of time, the plants simply got worn out and seemed to be in a desperate need of some kind of a rejuvenation treatment; which, by coincidence, is exactly what happened when, out of frustration, I pruned both of them harshly, bringing home the point as to how important timely pruning can be.
Pruning, with little doubt, is a very essential aspect of gardening and needs to be done routinely and properly in order to maintain healthy growth of plants growing in our garden; aside from improving their aesthetic value, plants are pruned to create ventilation, train their growth, increase flower and fruit production, and of course, control the size. As a matter of fact, not only are overgrown trees and shrubs unsightly, but invite disease due to poor air circulation, in addition to becoming a reason for injury due to broken branches and limbs during stormy season.
Whether done as a routine or just a mundane task, it is of vital importance to know the proper technique of pruning and the usage of right tools to be able to accomplish a specific goal; for instance, pruned at a wrong time, one can lose the much-awaited flowers of certain trees and shrubs, just as not all plants can take a harsh pruning like I did to the groundcover and the ivy. Therefore, before making the cut, if in doubt call the Chesterfield Extension Office at 751-4401 to get answers to any question or to receive a free copy of one of the many publications offered; sure enough, an ounce of prevention can always save a gardener an unnecessary heartache.
gitaagrawal@juno.com
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