No matter how experienced a gardener, there is always some kind
of GardenSpeak that is new. Or, at least, baffling.
That’s how I reacted when I got an inquiry about bare
”
legs.
”
No matter how experienced a gardener, there is always some kind of GardenSpeak that is new. Or, at least, baffling.
That’s how I reacted when I got an inquiry about bare “legs.”
Bare legs? Why not wear long pants? No, turns out it was not a garden fashion question. After doing some research I came up with this explanation of bare “legs” – and it’s good enough to share.
According to a pruning pamphlet from the major wholesaler Monrovia Nursery, bare “legs” has to do with pruning shrubs. Their advice is to “avoid bare legs.” Here is what it says and why it’s important to know:
“Shrubs are more beautiful when they are cloaked in lush foliage from top to bottom. This means all the leaves must have equal access to sunlight.
If pruned or sheared wider at the top than the base, lower branches are shaded and lose their foliage. These bare “legs” are not only unattractive, they invite weeds to grow underneath.
Always prune or shear your shrubs slightly wider at the bottom than at the top for modestly covered legs.”
Deadheading is another GardenSpeak that always makes me smile. A new rock band? A violent video game?
Actually it is a very common form of cutting away spent flowers on all kinds of flowering plants, but particularly on annuals that would set seed if the dead flowers were not removed. Simply clip or pinch away the dead flower.
While on the topic of pruning, some gardeners are confused about how and when to prune deciduous flowering shrubs. Before bloom? After bloom? During dormancy?
How and when you prune determines the size and quantity of the blooms. Or, if they bloom at all. The general rule is this:
Spring flowering shrubs such as forsynthia, lilac and flowering quince bloom on twigs that matured the year before. These shrubs are pruned at the end of their flowering season to encourage summer growth that will support next year’s flowers.
Summer flowering shrubs such as crape myrtle, rose of Sharon and hydrangea bloom on new twig growth in the spring. These plants are pruned in winter while dormant, which encourages new growth in spring and leads to heavy blooms in mid to late summer.
A final word on pruning, also from Monrovia: Unless you desire a very formal garden, no plant looks natural when it is shaped into a ball or box.
“Each species has its own natural beauty, and pruning should enhance the form not fight it.
Woody plants that must be cut back for size or shape should be done in a natural way by working from the inside out. Strive to retain enough outer foliage so that each cut is cloaked in leaves and never looks pruned.”
And, certainly, avoid those naked “legs.”
Garden Club Roster: New to the Club Roster is the Western Horticultural Society, which meets in Los Altos, but is certainly worth the drive.
Western Hort was founded in 1963, and is made up of horticulturalists, botanists, nursery people, landscape specialists, students and avid gardeners. The monthly programs are designed to appeal to the avid gardener, and interests range from succulents and natives to roses and design.
The May 10 meeting will feature Matthew Levesque on the topic of using recycled materials in the garden. His recycled garden was a star attraction at the recent San Francisco Garden Show at the Cow Palace.
The meeting will be held at Covington School, 205 Covington Road, Los Altos. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the program begins at 7:30 p.m. A highlight is a raffle table of interesting plants. There is a $5 guest fee. For more information, call the president at 408-867-9428.
