Gardening
Don't:
1. The real key to pruning is not to overfertilize or overwater (native
plants do not need fertilizer). Both practices accelerate growth,
producing taller plants with woody stems and less foliage.
2. Don't prune plants during their first 12 months of growth, except for
deadheading and pinching, which encourage new growth.
3. Don't shear plants into smooth geometrical shapes with consistent
height and width. Yes, it is common practice, but it ignores a plant's
structure, disrupting its natural growth.
4. Don't top trees or shrubs. Topping is cutting off the top, including the
largest branches. Small, vertical branches will sprout from the large
branches that were cut, and the tree or shrub will never reestablish its
natural shape. Consider calling a pro to prune and shape your trees.
5. Don't cut at the middle of a stem or branch. Cut where the branch
emerges from a larger branch.
"I travel the world, throw at least one dinner party a week and
I'm always up for an estate sale or shopping trip. Yet I'd rather
be digging around in my garden than any other place on earth."
Marian McEvoy
Former editor of Elle Decor and House Beautiful
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