RHS Pruning and Training

Help your plants grow to their full glory with this unrivalled practical guide. Contains detailed A-Z information on general pruning principles, growth habits and particular needs of plants, trees and flowers. Coppicing, topiary, pleaching and pinch pruning are some of the more unusual pruning and training techniques that feature alongside traditional practices. The ultimate garden reference to ensure more impressive flowers, foliage and crops of fruit and berries.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: how plants grow; principles of pruning and training; tools and equipment. Ornamental trees: tree forms; basic techniques; initial training; pruning established trees; renovation; coppicing and pollarding; pleaching; conifers; palms and palm-like plants; hedges; topiary; dictionary of ornamental trees. Tree fruits: fruit tree forms; basic techniques; renovation; hardy fruits; tender fruits; nuts. Ornamental shrubs: basic techniques; initial training; pruning established shrubs; renovation; wall training; special stem and foliage effects; training shrubs as standards; bamboos and grasses; pinch pruning; dictionary of ornamental shrubs. Soft fruits: soft fruit forms; basic techniques; cane fruits; bush fruits. Climbing plants: types of climbing plants; basic techniques; initial training; pruning established climbers; renovation; special training; dictionary of climbing plants; fruiting vines. Roses: rose types and forms; basic techniques; renovation; modern bush roses; standard roses; shrub roses; climbing and rambler roses; special training.

About the Author :
Formerly Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society, Christopher Brickell is an eminent plantsman. In 1976 he was awarded the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour for his services to horticulture, followed by the CBE in 1991. A former editor of The Plantsman, he has published many botanical and horticultural papers and articles and chaired the International Commission for the Nomenclature of Cultivated Plants. In 1990 he was editor-in-chief for the first edition of Dorling Kindersley's bestselling RHS Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers (now in its 6th edition and with sales of over three million copies). This was followed by RHS Encyclopedia of Gardening, RHS A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants and RHS Pruning & Training. He has recently completed full updates of the RHS A-Z of Garden Plants, RHS Pruning & Training, as well as RHS Encyclopedia of Plants & Flowers. .

Review :
To prune or not to prune? When to prune? Why prune at all? Just some of the questions this seemingly complex subject raises. But a basic understanding of the reasons behind the methods will reveal an underlying logic: to encourage flowering, fruit, improve the shape or make bushier. The expertise of the Royal Horticultural Society is beyond doubt. On the brink of celebrating its centenary, the Society has promoted horticultural excellence and training since its inception. Written by experts in layman's terms, this is both a visual and written guide to the topic of pruning and training. Lavishly illustrated and clearly captioned, all aspects are covered for every type of plant: trees, shrubs, climbers, fruit trees and roses, from initial pruning at planting to established trees needing shaping or rejuvenation. This is THE definitive guide and a must for every gardener. - Lucy Watson