Q: I heard from a friend that since I have some shrubs that bloom early in the spring, I can prune some branches early to bring indoors. I thought that spring-blooming shrubs were supposed to be pruned after they bloom. What do you think?
A: Many spring-blooming shrubs and trees are best pruned by what is called the shrub renewal method of pruning. Most of these shrubs send up a lot of stems from the ground, and they can get to be a mess. They also tend to bloom best on stems that are less than four years old. So, if you prune out about a quarter of the largest branches at the ground level each spring, you renew the plant with the best flowering branches. In four or five years, you have a whole new plant.
Since you are going to prune spring bloomers in the month after they bloom, go ahead and cut off a few branches while they are in bloom to bring inside for their beauty and fragrance. You may even cut a few branches a month earlier than the normal blooming time, and they should begin blooming indoors in a vase. Pruning a few branches before, during, and after the normal blooming time allows you to enjoy the plant even more.
This early pruning can also be done with spring-blooming trees, such as apples, crab apples, dogwood, peaches, pears, redbuds, and many other trees and shrubs.
I have videos about renewal pruning on the Greener View YouTube channel.
Q: I need help landscaping my yard. There are so many ugly spots that I don’t know where to start.
A: It does not matter if your yard is new or old; planning is one of the most important steps. The camera on your phone can help. Take “before” pictures of different spots throughout the property. You can track the improvements and feel good about your progress.
When you are out shopping, use the photo to find plants on sale that will fit an area. Do the landscaping with a plan, but do not be afraid to change what does not look right to you. Expert advice from the stores will be much improved if you have photos, measurements, and notes handy.
Pick an area and break it down to size. Most landscape areas are small enough to be worked on in just a couple of weekends. Most importantly, do the work at a pace that will allow you to have fun doing it.
Use temporary plants such as annuals to brighten the landscape until you can find the right perennial or shrub to fit. Warm colors such as red and orange will stand out and bring attention to the area. Cool colors such as blue and green will recede visually, which makes small areas look bigger.
Use colorful plants to highlight the most important architectural feature of the house: the front door. Use green plants such as evergreens to hide architectural blunders such as the utilities visible from the front of the house.
Use a section or two of fence to make a wall that separates one area of the landscape from another. Use shrubs to do the same thing. They’re also great for hiding unsightly views and framing good views.
Use a birdbath or sculpture to bring an area into focus. Use small shrubs or perennials to create the backdrop and setting for the sculpture.
Large flowerpots, lanterns, and many other household items can be repurposed to create a new focal point in the garden. Use old lanterns, candleholders, and landscape lighting to give new life to the landscape at night.
Create a path in areas that are heavily used. Lawns do not hold up to lots of traffic, and other materials are better at keeping mud out of the house.
Walk around the whole yard as often as you can. You will become used to what plants look like when they are healthy. You will notice problems sooner, which makes them easier to treat. At the same time, you will enjoy your landscape more if you are outside.
Put plants in the right place in the first place. Plants that need sun will not do well under a heavily shaded tree on the north side of the house. Do not keep planting the same flowers in the same spot every year. Diseases and insects can wait until you replant. Plants from a different plant family will be more resistant to problems.
