Ultimate Practical Guide to Pruning and Training - Softcover

See 9780754834564 for the updated new hardback edition. This title shows you how to prune and train trees, shrubs, hedges, topiary, tree and soft fruit, climbers and roses. It offers expert advice and step-by-step techniques, with over 700 photographs and 270 clear illustrations. All techniques and projects are shown in close-up step-by-step photography and diagrams, making the tasks absolutely clear and easy to follow. It contains an easy-to-use plant directory, describing the timing, frequency and method of pruning for a range of ornamental plants. This how-to guide aims to take the mystery out of pruning, showing that the correct training and cutting of garden plants has many rewards, including better flower and fruit production, healthier plants, improved plant shape, and a tidier garden. The book covers ornamental trees, shrubs, topiary, hedges, climbers, wall shrubs and roses. An invaluable directory of ornamental plants looks at a range of species, explaining when and how to prune. There is also advice on pruning and training different tree fruits, climbing fruits and soft fruits. With its practical advice and specially commissioned artworks, this is an essential handbook for all gardeners.

Richard Bird has been magazine editor for Focus on Plants, The Hardy Plant, Alpine Gardening and the Alpine Gardening Society's magazine Bulletin. He has written many books on subjects as diverse as alpines and rock gardens, lilies, perennials, kitchen gardening, organic gardening and window boxes.