The Complete Book of Pruning

Knowing what, when, and how to prune is a vital skill for every gardener. To take the mystery out of this essential but enigmatic process, this comprehensive manual on the art and science of pruning describes, with A to Z thoroughness, how to trim hedges, shrubs, and trees to improve their health, vigor, and appearance. Whether focusing on deadheading or disbudding techniques to produce more abundant flowers, cutting back to prepare for winter, trimming fruit trees for increased yield, or the artful clipping of hedges into topiary, or covering other fundamentals of pruning--from the tools involved, to the basic physiology of the plant's response, to the legal ramifications of pruning--it spells out each lesson in detail. The straightforward advice, in-progress drawings demonstrating the correct approaches, and full-color photographs exemplifying precisely pruned plants guarantee you a lusher, healthier, more colorful garden. A Selection of Garden Book Club. 7 1/2 X 9 1/2. 40 Color Illustrations, 200 B&W Illustrations

Duncan Coombs has a wealth of experience in many areas of horticulture, including estate management and research and development. Peter Blackburne-Maze is a freelance horticultural consultant and has worked as a commercial fruit grower. Martyn Cracknell is a botanist at Pershore College. Roger Bentley currently lectures in Nursery Practices at Pershore College.