In order to be a successful gardener you have to know how to prune. Whether to improve growth, increase fruiting qualities or to enable the plant to grow in space-restricted areas or cold environments. This practical book provides advice on pruning garden plants, from infancy to maturity. Included is detailed advice on renovating neglected plants, from shrubs and climbers to fruit trees and bushes. There is also a fun element, with instructions for creating topiary in the garden.

Getting Started : What is pruning? -- Philosophy of pruning -- Plant groups and treatments -- Tackling neglected gardens -- Eqipment you will need -- Preparing plants for planting -- Making the right cut ; Shrubs, Trees and Climbers : Philosophy of pruning shrubs -- Philosophy of pruning trees -- Philosophy of pruning climbers -- A-Z of pruning shrubs, trees and climbers ; Hedges and Conifers : Foliage hedges -- Flowering hedges -- Conifers -- Forming arches and tunnerls -- Topiary ; Roses : Roses -- Patio and minature roses -- Rose hedges -- Standard roses -- Shrub roses -- Climbing roses -- Rambling roses ; Fruit : Apples -- Pears -- Plums -- Peaches and nectarines -- Raspberries -- Blackberries, hybrid berries and loganberries -- Black currants -- Red and white currants -- Gooseberries -- Figs -- Grape vines -- Glossary -- Index.