Spring is here and while it is known to be the season of flowering and growth, this does not mean that you should neglect sprucing up your garden at this time of year. In fact, it’s just as important to keep your garden in tip-top shape during the spring. While general pruning is a great gardening practice, we hear from professional gardeners that some spring plants in particular need a little extra clip and care.
We talked to the experts to find out which plants need some seasonal TLC and they gave us all the advice you need to care for yours. modern garden to make sure it is the healthiest. Understandably, this can be a daunting task for homeowners with large gardens, but trust the experts and break out your pruning kits.
Mowing your plants and cleaning them will show clear long-term benefits in the form of lush foliage and beautiful healthy flowers. Having a well-kept garden will help you make more use of your garden. If you take the time to properly prune your plants, you’ll be left with a gorgeous glowing garden just in time for your next spring shindig.
1. Flowering shrubs
(Image credit: Colin Poole/Future)
If you are confused about which plants need a cleaning in April, look for the shrubs that are now blooming. In conversation with Allison Jacob
Taming your aging flowering shrubs is essential to promote healthy vegetation in the coming seasons. Gardening expert Tony O’Neill he tells us that it is better to prune the trees in early to mid-spring before they stop growing. “Remove any dead or damaged branches to encourage healthy new growth. For flowering trees, pruning can also help shape the plant and enhance flowering,” says Tony.
2. Fruit trees
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April is the perfect time to give yours apple pear and cherry a little R & R. Contrary to what you might think, considering the sheer expansion of some fruit trees , even these plants need some pruning to maintain their idyllic image. “The best window is late winter or early spring before the buds break. Pruning helps manage the size of the tree, improves air flow and encourages higher fruit production,” says Allison.
Tony also advises gardeners to remove any crowded branches, including those that grow inward towards the center of the tree. He goes on to say that clean cuts near the neck of the branch make all the difference and support the healing of the trees. April is also a good time to pick any ripening fruit and make a small basket of your fresh spring bag.
3. Roses
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Roses are only as romantic as they are famous for being when generously cared for. According to Allison, pruning roses in early spring is crucial to promote vigorous new canes and abundant blooms. She says that tending to your roses will invigorate the plant and improve air circulation, reducing the risk of disease.
These beautiful flowers do well when they step out into the sun and get the air they need to bloom. Tony tells us that repeat blooming roses, in particular, need a fair amount of shaping around the month of April. ‘Cut the plant to about a third of its size, remove dead or weak branches to encourage vigorous growth. Try and aim for a pot shape open to plenty of air and exposure to sunlight,” says Tony.
4. Perennial
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As the days get brighter and longer, take a look at your perennials like hostas, daylilies and ornamental grasses . ‘Cut off any dead leaves or stems from last year, leaving only a few inches above the ground. This cleaning allows new growth to emerge without hindrance,” says Allison. She adds that ornamental trees should only be cut when new buds are visibly apparent. Although some heat resistant perennials
It’s obvious that sprucing does more than just beautify your garden and Tony agrees. “Cleaning up helps prevent diseases and pests from harboring in plant debris, so it’s also important to always use clean and sharp pruning tools,” he says.
5. Evergreens
(Image credit: Sarah Wilson/Future)
If you are immersed in the world of modern garden trends and you have formal hedges such as boxwood, privet, or yew growing in your place, then it is officially time to give it a trim. While cleaning your hedges, Allison suggests using suitable shears to cut them into the desired shape, slightly tapering the sides to allow sunlight to reach the lower branches. Most of them fast growing hedges need regular maintenance to maintain its design, but April is a particularly good time to pay attention to these lush green plants.
mowing these spring plants, do not forget to water and clean any of the residues that accumulate, once you have finished sprucing. Taking a day off to care for your plants will do wonders for your spring garden and you’ll have a wonderfully clean and serene yard before you know it.
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