The Art of Creative Pruning: Inventive Ideas for Training and Shaping Trees and Shrubs (Hardcover)
Nothing brings a touch of artistry to the garden like ornamental pruning, and a series of deliberate cuts can create landscapes and evoke faraway places. All that's needed to recreate the effect in the garden are a sharp pair of pruners, some imagination, and the instruction found in The Art of Creative Pruning. Drawing on both eastern and western styles, author Jake Hobson moves beyond the traditional lollipops and animals and teaches a wholly new approach to ornamental pruning that appeals to modern sensibilities.
Picture boxwoods trimmed into whimsical Russian nesting dolls, hedges inscribed with words, and a tree snipped to resemble the toppling tiers of a wedding cake. These are just a few of the unusual ideas featured in the beautifully photographed pages. All the practical considerations are here as well, including pruning to improve a view, remedial pruning to fix problems, and pruning fruit trees to increase yield.
“Written with passion, verve, and a dash of dry wit, this title will inspire any gardener who wants to understand the how and why of creative pruning before picking up the shears and hacking off branches.” —Library Journal
“A wonderful new book that takes a fun, creative, and interesting look at the world of pruning.” —American Gardener
“The book goes beyond topiary.” —Akron Beacon Journal
“Well-clipped topiary comes into its own.” —Oxford Times
“The book is lovely as well as thought-provoking.” —Pittsburgh Post Gazette
“For fabulous ideas and late-winter inspiration, especially as we venture into our gardens wielding shears and pole pruners, Hobson’s book is just the ticket.” —Connecticut Horticultural Society Newsletter