Tuesday, September 13, 2011

cutting azaleas

As much as I like the full branches with small flowers in May/June, at one point the branches are overgrown. In my classes I lecture that this is the time to take a hedge pruner and cut ruthlessly. As you can see I do what I preach. And see the result two months later. I did this in July and so the tree might not flower next year. I should have done it in June right after flowering.
Anyway, whoever has seen me cutting this tree thought that I am mad and have ruined it. Most amateurs are way too timid when it comes to pruning their azaleas. As as consequence one sees quite overgrown azaleas everywhere.