Review by Sue Wise
This little “how to” book is extremely valuable for any gardener. Whether one is working with a terrace, back yard, or formal garden, the basics of pruning and the importance of it are fully explored.
Able to be carried as one is actually working in the garden, the book is a handy reference for those who want to look at the possibilities in trimming, pruning and deadheading bushes, trees and plants. The solutions are easily explained with clearly illustrated drawings, so that one is not ‘hacking off’ key plant branches.
The chapter headings are good examples of the ways in which pruning is addressed. Such topics as why, when, what and how often to prune as well as incorrect practices are explored. One also can find out which plants benefit as well as specific plants with special needs. For example, evergreens are treated as a separate chapter. Fruit and nut tree pruning is explored as well as that of hedges, vines and ground covers. Of course, roses and other ornamental shrubs are also discussed.
The question-and-answer format allows readers to think about their own situation and apply the advice in such a way as to customize the application. Question: I love my elderberry! How can I keep it neat and bushy instead of tall and lanky like the ones by the side of the road? The question is then answered in easy-to-understand text as well as clearly explicable illustrations.
The authors each have decades of gardening experience as well as many published books on gardening and landscaping.
The Pruning Answer Book may be purchased at the SFBG kiosk. Published by Storey in 2011, it is $14.95 and would make a terrific gift for any gardener.
