Beware the Shrubs

Over the last couple of days, I have been working to trim all the shrubs in the garden and on the property. I usually start this process at the start of July, but other projects and weather have delayed my start. Once I began, I started to realize that each year this task gets more difficult and time consuming. The shrubs continue to grow, and I have continued to buy and add more shrubs. Hence, the increasing workload.

Currently, there are a total of 70 shrubs, large and small, scattered throughout the garden and property. That does not include any of the other plantings. So, as you can imagine, its becoming a a full time job. Thank goodness as a public school teacher I have the time in the summer to tend to the work. 

Below are some examples of the work that I have finished over the last coupe of days following two eight hour work days.

Japanese Yew

Rheingold Arborvitea (Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’)

Snowmound Spiraea (Spiraea nipponica 'Snowmound') - above rock;
Mini Sunglo Spirea (Spiraea x bumalda 'Mini Sunglo') - right of rock;
Rheingold Arborvitea (Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’) - right
of Dwarf White Pine tree

Green Velvet Boxwood (Buxus 'Green Velvet')

'Europa Gold' arborvitae (thuja occidentalis)

'Europa Gold' arborvitae (thuja occidentalis);

The Japanese Boxwood (Buxus microphylla var. Japonica)

Green Velvet Boxwood (Buxus 'Green Velvet')

Be careful with the Spirea. Make sure you trim them at the appropriate time so as not to impact blooms. I usually prune them in early spring before they flower, but only slightly. After the flowers have died off, I prune once more in mid-summer to keep them from becoming stringy and keep their shape. Also, every couple of years I cut out the dead wood inside, which can be time consuming process. Doing so will improve the plant growth next year, but he benefit of waiting is that the dead material also helps to maintain its shape.

Spirea japonica

Spirea japonica

Spiraea japonica 'Alpina' (Japanese Spirea - aka 'Nana')

Rheingold Arborvitea (Thuja occidentalis ‘Rheingold’) - center;

Spirea japonica - left/right

Spirea japonica

Mr. Bolwing Ball Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis 'Bobozam')

Keep in mind, the 21 shrubs above are less than half of what I have to deal with in the garden and on the property. Before you start your own garden adventure, remember, these plants will need maintenance and care, both of which requires a lot of time to manage.