Book Review - Pruning and Training by DK publishers

This is a “must have” book for homeowners who want to prune their own woody plants. I found it seven years ago when I was looking for information on how to pleach trees. This is the book that gave me confidence to prune my Celeste Fig into a modified cordon espalier.

This Celeste Fig Tree is 8 years old. I grew it from the cutting of a tree that over grew it’s space. The straps can be removed but they offer extra support for the those sail-like leaves during a wind storm.

I also used Pruning and Training when I experiment with my harlequin trellis. I enjoy an eclectic look so I have pomegranate, rose, Carolina Jessimine, camillia, Atlas Cedar, a couple viburnums and clematis co-mingling together for an ever changing display through the year.

April Tryst Camellia and Mohawk Viburnum commingle on the trellis to create a living arrangement.

Add in some Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar and the effect is whimsical.

This book isn’t just about teaching you the characteristics of plants so you can form them into unusual shapes - or in my case - espaliering to fit more plants on my property. It is packed with advice on pruning fruit trees for production, how to trim a hedge and when/if to cut back Clematis A,B and C.

When I come to your property to teach pruning techniques, I will have this book in hand. If you want it before you book an appointment, you can purchase it HERE.