Pruning, Planting & Care

Book excerpt: Many home gardeners are mystified about when and how much to prune, fertilize, and water their plants. This is especially true of native plants, because many require different approaches to ahieve optimal growth. Eric Johnson, a landscape maintenance troubleshooter with more than 55 years of experience, shares his insights on plant care. Designed especially for gardeners in California and the Southwest, Johnson's guide covers everything a gardener needs to know in order to maintain a beautiful landscape. Johnson tells how to plant and care for more than 300 varieties of native and adapted plants; how to water, fertilize, and combat weeds; how to control garden pests and diseases without chemicals; even how to make compost. A Master Flowering and Pruning Chart shows at a glance when plants flower and when to prune. Color photos and detailed illustrations help take the uncertainties out of plant care and point the way toward more beautiful landscaping.