Meticulous following Victorian rose-pruning rules gives you fewer flowers the next year than simply whacking new growth back with electric hedge clippers. First things first - what about all those strict Victorian rules? When actually tested scientifically, many of the most long-held gardening ‘‘rules’’ are either based on limited evidence that is not applicable to modern, domestic gardens or, frankly, may even give you worse results. Finally, and this is probably the most important one: do not be afraid of killing plants! I’d say killing plants is the only way you’ll really learn what works and what doesn't.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 30, 2021 01:30 UTC