Renowned gardener Monty Don has shared his pruning strategy for the upcoming months of October and November. In an extensive piece for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine focusing on autumn and winter pruning, Monty discussed his approach to maintaining the appearance of plants in his expansive Longmeadow garden.
His philosophy revolves around trimming plants that appear unsightly or require support to uphold their aesthetic. Monty specifically highlighted his technique for managing a certain type of plant, emphasizing the importance of a “quick clip” with shears to eliminate excess growth during this period.
According to Monty, this initial pruning session is typically sufficient for most of the year, especially for shrub roses. He mentioned that only a few older or overgrown plants might need further attention with secateurs in February. Climbing roses, on the other hand, should be pruned in autumn or late winter to encourage flowering from side shoots.
Monty advised identifying whether roses bloom on new or old growth to establish an effective pruning routine. He explained that rambling roses produce flowers on old growth, cautioning against hard pruning in February to ensure summer blooms. Conversely, shrub roses, hybrid tea roses, climbing roses, and floribunda roses flower on new growth, allowing for aggressive pruning in March without sacrificing summer flowers.
In a related update, Monty also shared insights on lawn maintenance before winter sets in. He recommended continuing to mow the grass as long as it keeps growing and maintaining a slightly longer grass length during the winter months. Removing thatch and moss with a rake and composting the debris are essential steps to prepare the lawn for the colder season.
Chris McIlroy, an expert from The Grass People, reiterated the importance of keeping grass at a height of 2.3 to 3 inches in winter to prevent snow mold and root damage. Cutting the grass too short exposes it to cold weather vulnerabilities, making it crucial to strike a balance between grass length and winter protection.