Chopping action continues in the garden now that spring is just around the corner! The weather was sunny and bright during the weekend, very spring like and perfect for gardening. But we still have to keep in mind that it's only early March and we're not out of the woods yet.
What we can certainly do though is to start getting into full swing trimming and chopping back plants as part of spring tidy up and preparation.
As I walked out in the garden first thing in the morning I spotted clumps of Crocus already in bloom. The one above were fighting its way amongst the overgrown toppled leaves of the Kniphofia thomsonii var. thomsonii, reminding me that we ought to get cutting back as lots of plants are due them.
Which includes the plant below. A bit scary to do but it needs to be done...
Yikes!
And another one!
Done!
 |
| Schefflera rhododendrifolia |
Hope you had a productive weekend!
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
I'm just happy to be able to still move after 1 full day of weeding and one more to go-gave myself a 3 day weekend to get it done. Later this month I scheduled a 4 day weekend--mulch spreading and mail-order/garden show planting.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a very productive weekend Kathy :) and sometimes its good to take dedicated time off from work to get things done in the garden, something I'm pondering myself
DeleteI like the photographs - your red top and loppers look great in the pic. It was a wonderful weekend for chopping and lopping - our lawn is now covered with pyracantha branches, which have sneakily tried to take over the world. And I tried to take your earlier advice with the knipfof...(can never spell it). Difficult to get the dried leaves out to the standard in your pix!
ReplyDeleteIt was a good weekend wasn't it Alexandra, especially on the Saturday :) sharp pair of scissors usually does the trick nicely for the Kniphofias
DeleteI was impressed by your matching top and loppers. I can't even get my gloves to co-ordinate.
ReplyDeleteWe really aren't out of the woods yet, which is why I'm so furious with myself for firing up the propagator and sowing seeds. Cosmos and cucumber have already germinated. Now what am I going to do with them? I really should know better.
Funny enough I haven't even noticed they match before until you pointed it out Sarah :)) with the sunny weather I don't blame you for doing a few bits in advance. But it's just so nice to get gardening again isn't it?
DeleteSo nice to see crocus! I can't wait until I start seeing some crocus, a sure sign that spring is nigh!
ReplyDeleteHopefully once you get the thaw you get to see some crocuses soon too Indie :)
DeleteOh you are brave souls! So you've chopped the Scheffleras before? Do they then get bushy?
ReplyDeleteIt was scary at first Loree but it had to be done! Yes they go bushy when the top growth is lopped. Not for the faint hearted and if not sure would only recommend it first to vigorous species like this one :)
DeleteI know how you feel about cutting back a well-loved plant. It always makes me nervous too. I'm sure your Schefflera will be all the better for its trimming.
ReplyDeleteWe hope so Kris!
DeleteLike our friend Loree says: pruning is the new planting.
ReplyDeleteAhh yes Ricki, thanks for reminding us that again :))
DeleteWait, I don't know what I'm talking about!!! Haven't you all figured that out?!
DeleteYes you do :) and we'll always have that line in mind now everytime we chop anything in the garden
DeleteLoree, you do have a knack for quotable lines. I present "there's always an Agave' as evidence, and rest my case.
DeleteIt was indeed an ideal weekend for chopping activities but as you say we are not out of the woods ..... yet. I always think that March is a case of one step forwards and two back as far as the weather is concerned. Still it was a more than welcome taste of spring. I don't know anything about scheffleras at all. Can you use the prunings for propagation purposes or is it too early in the year?
ReplyDeleteThat's true Anna, a month to play it by ear what to do. The cuttings can be rerooted if one wants to and it's not too early to do so :)
DeleteI´m always too afraid to chop plants like your schefflera...I guess I´ll have to be braver next time I need to chop something valuable (I only have one Schefflera and it is too small, hehe, but there are other things that could benefit from pruning). At least I´m learning with your post for the next time. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWe were cringing at first Lisa and it wasn't easy to start but it had to be done. It'll be fine :)
DeleteThat does look like some drastic pruning! It was fab weather here too but I was busy doing wedding caricatures, so I may try and snatch some garden time during the week. Lovely crocus pic!
ReplyDeleteHope you do get that time Ingrid! Apparently it might turn nice again later this week :)
DeleteI can hear you now shouting "Off with her head!" You will be rewarded with a much fuller plant - hooray!
ReplyDeleteHope so Peter! :)
DeleteShame to waste the cut off bit of the Scheff. Well worth a go at rooting it. It may save you money if the one you have chopped down dies :-)
ReplyDeleteTouch wood Don....hopefully no need to replace :)
DeleteWow! What a chop! I'm fairly new to gardening but seeing your post about how you're maintaining your garden is making me excited for the future of my garden! I can't wait for the day that I'll have to do my own "chop chop" on my garden. My plants need to grow quite a bit before I get to that point, but until then, I'll keep reading your blog to get inspired by ideas!
ReplyDeleteThanks Alexa, that's great to hear :) exciting times ahead with your garden and you'll be amazed how quickly things can grow. Have fun!
Delete