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Pruning 'Summer Crush' Hydrangea in Late Summer or Early Fall

Hydrangea 'Summer Crush' in June... in September Pruning can be a complicated project, especially when it comes to hydrangeas (I can think of one more plant that causes pruning headaches - clematis). That said, if you grow many hydrangeas, especially different types, once you get the hang of it, it begins to come naturally. I used to rarely prune my hydrangeas because I had more space. Now, with a smaller garden, I'm finding that some are getting too large for comfort. Case in point, 'Summer Crush'. It is actually not a huge hydrangea, but it does get larger than advertised - about 5 feet in my garden (the tag said 3-4'). 'Summer Crush' is in the 'Endless Summer' line of hydrangeas and they are among the easier to prune. This is because they bloom on both old and new wood. Therefore, no matter when you prune, you should get blooms. It is the older hydrangeas, the ones that only bloom on old wood, that you have to be careful with. I would recomm...
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Complete Container Herb Gardening - a book review


Complete Container Herb Gardening: Design and Grow Beautiful, Bountiful Herb-Filled Pots by Sue Goetz. Cool Springs Press (December 22, 2020)

I find it pretty amazing that an entire book could be written on the topic of container herb gardening. I would struggle to come up with two pages but author Sue Goetz has produced a 192 page book that covers every aspect on the topic. Beginning gardeners will find everything they need to know here and even experienced ones will surely pick up some new pointers in the process. I know I did.


Each chapter covers individual aspects and include:

  • Choosing the right kind of pots - there are terra cotta, concrete, metal, plastic, wood, vintage and repurposed. The various pros and cons of each are covered.
  • Location - Light needs and microclimates are essential factors to consider and then there are topics on placement (balcony, rooftops, entries, patios, decks, living walls, and growing herbs indoors.
  • Container garden design might be not a topic of consideration by the author opens your eyes to the possibilities of choosing containers for color and style, composing pots for pleasing arrangements and grouping plants for color, form and texture. 
  • Descriptions of the major herbs as well as varieties used for exotic flavorings.
  • An entire chapter on herbal beverages that covers herbs for garnishes, simple syrups, and teas.
  • Herbs used for healing properties and aromatherapy. Lemony herbs are profiled individually.
  • Herbs for household uses and beauty treatments like foot soaks and cleansers.
  • Pollinators (plants to attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies).
  • Cultivation (choosing plants, soil types, watering, maintenance, harvesting).
  • Propagation techniques.

The book is nicely illustrated with hundreds of photos.


 

 

I was provided with a review copy from the publisher.

 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy


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