Tame your garden with RHS pruning groups

RHS Snip and clip, let the garden shine, pruning back for growth divine.

Ever stared at your overgrown shrubs, feeling a mix of dread and determination? Fear not, green-thumbed friend! The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has a system to simplify your pruning woes. They've categorized plants into 13 pruning groups, each with specific guidelines.

So, how do you turn this system into garden magic?

1. Know your plants: Identify the species of your green companions.

2. Discover their group: Use online resources or gardening books to find out which RHS pruning group they belong to.

3. Create a pruning plan: Schedule your pruning tasks based on the group recommendations.

4. Prune with purpose: Follow the guidelines for each group, remembering that less is often more.

Remember, not every plant needs a drastic haircut. Some prefer to be left alone. And timing is everything! Pruning at the wrong time can hinder your plant's growth and flowering.

Quick tips:

• Use sharp, clean tools to avoid infections.

• Start by removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches.

• Consider the plant's overall shape.

By following these steps and using below timing table below, you’ll be well on your way to a garden that’s the envy of the neighborhood.