12 Comments
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Tim Farmer's avatar

Good advice. If I could only have one, it would be Magnoliaeflora.

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Janice Taylor's avatar

Will this work for crepe myrtles or loropetalum?

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Jenks Farmer's avatar

Yes. Structural pruning like this works on any large shrub/small tree.

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Arcadian Haven's avatar

I think a book on tips would be valuable.

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Carla Brophy's avatar

Yes!!! Write a book about proper care including pruning as most of us either don’t prune or prune incorrectly!

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Janisse Ray's avatar

Here's a great video on pruning summer camellias. I never knew...

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Henriette Hall's avatar

Jenksie,

Did you know my mother and Alfred's dad created a Camellia ? Named it

Dr.Burnside. Bill is rooting one for me---mine were all left at LakeShore when I moved.

Hope you and Tom ( your Mom - and all the critters ) are getting along fine and staying

as cool as can be in this Hades we call home ! Love you. Hennie

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Liane S's avatar

As much as I enjoy your writing, I own no shortage of pruning books already and personally, I think the topic is really so much better addressed by video and live workshops. Years ago, I learned more about pruning in an hour workshop at Gardenhood than from all the books plus the info stuck with me, giving me courage to prune that a book just doesn’t.

You are a delightful educator; maybe you can somehow make it work. But my experience is that seeing pruning done live is transformative versus the written word (and I am an avid book reader and learner). Similarly to my workshop experience, I vividly remember learning about the Italian method of pruning camellias from a visit to a botanical garden there with a demonstration. A few sentences in a book would not have been as impactful as observing the work in person and seeing birds fly straight through the openings created.

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Nancy Wallace's avatar

A book full of tips (and tricks) would be fabulous !!! I would definitely look forward to it. Thanks for the tips on pruning camellias - I've got one that I need to get at but have been waiting as it holds a couple of bird nests - don't want to disturb those mommas & babies !!! Thanks again for sharing your knowledge, encouragement, inspiration and wonderful stories ...

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Janice Taylor's avatar

Please continue with the book! I need all the help I can get!

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sandra y schmid's avatar

Keep writing, Jenks. Anything you write, I like!

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Avonda's avatar

I have picked up a few pointers over the years, along with some trial and error work. I would love to learn more. A book would be great! I am also trying to create spaces that receive some shade for smaller plants. Thank you.

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