TRIM SHRUBS TO PROTECT FROM WINDS

Not many shrubs benefit from pruning now. When you prune you tend to encourage new growth and those soft shoots can be prone to damage from winter cold. But it can be helpful to lightly cut back fast-growing shrubs in the garden. This removes foliage and soft growth that’s prone to damage in winter gales. Shrubs include tree lupins, lavatera, buddlejas, tall roses and deciduous ceanothus. The aim is not to shorten the growths significantly but to reduce foliage so it doesn’t catch the wind. With roses also remove diseased foliage to reduce the ‘carry over’ of blackspot and mildew.