Why should I prune my garden?

For appearance, performance, and containment. All plants which are expected to produce flowers, fruits, or any decorative foliage, invariably need a vigorous branch structure. Good pruning helps to renew and energise this branch structure.

What are the most appropriate tools for pruning my garden?

A good composite range of cutting tools would include one or two secateurs: a heavy duty lopper, preferably with adjustable handles; a pruning saw; an adjustable hedge shear and a set of swivel grass shears.

How can I make sure my garden pruning tools stay in good condition?

All good cutting tools should be oiled before and after use with a rust inhibiting oil and should always be sprayed before being put away. To help avoid loss of valuable tools, a piece of bright coloured ribbon tied to the handle will usually allow you to find your tools more easily.

How do I know what needs pruning in my garden and when it should be pruned?

Before pruning or planting it is always wise to obtain specific advice from your local nursery or gardening club, as there are vast climatic contrasts across the Australian continent, and many new plant varieties are becoming readily available at plant nurseries.
As a general guide, with the exception of the major group of winter pruning subjects such as roses, fruit trees, hydrangeas, fuchsias, grape vines etc., most ornamental trees, shrubs and groundcovers which need pruning (and many do not) are pruned after they finish flowering. This will mean mid to late spring for the majority – that is after the flowers have fallen, and well after the danger of frost has passed for any which are frost-tender.

What is the difference between Anvil and Bypass blades

Anvil types have one precision-sharpened blade that closes against a solid, flat-faced block. Anvil blades are ideal for pruning mature or woody stems. By-pass types feature a scissor action, with one finely honed cutting blade passing against a heavier, curved blade (similar to a scissor action). Bypass blades are ideal for light precision pruning of live or soft stems. Both types do an excellent job and it really only comes down to a matter of personal choice.