Best Hobby

What makes pruning the best hobby?

I believe that pruning is not only the best hobby, but the best part of gardening because it’s the activity that best connects us to the plants. Pruning gets us up close and personal, makes us look, consider and think about our plants.

Pruning is also quick and easy, requires no heavy lifting AND it always brings new growth – it’s the perfect combination of quality time with yourself and your plants, a therapeutic activity, and hanging out in nature. Plus, it offers stunning results and much satisfaction.

Regardless of your garden, if you have a rooftop garden, window boxes, or a block of land at the back of the house - if you have a plant, it will need pruning.

 Both gardens shown below are fully maintained by hand. 

One of hundreds of gardens I designed, built and planted. 

In 20 years of landscaping, and having created over 500 gardens, my favorite, most relaxing and by far most rewarding activity has always been pruning. 

The niche, which I call ‘hand pruning’, was actually inspired by my customers. After years of hearing the same question asked over and over again, I understood that there was a need for information; answers that would put to rest once and for all the issue of: " how do I cut those shrubs?." of course, other questions always followed: “when should i cut?”, “where do I begin?” and, “do you think that now is the best time to cut?”  

It’s amazing to me how many people want, but simply don’t have the confidence, to prune their own garden - existing clients, new clients, friends… I think that if people on the street knew what I did for a living, they would be asking me about their garden too. 

Pruning is the best hobby because it really is for everyone. Anyone can try it, learn it, and practice. All you need is a plant, and I can tell you that pruning is not rocket science. I’ll be happy to teach you the “how”. I have no doubt you’ll be left amazed at the results you get and how quickly you're hooked. Your passion will overtake other pastimes because pruning is the best hobby (!!), and in no time you will want to learn more, dig deeper, and cut smarter. It's a skill that without a doubt, is one of the most delightful pastimes, and with the best ROI you can create.

So, I was thinking that maybe it would be best if I could just transfer my knowledge and experience, try to metaphorically hand over my pruners to those of you who have always wanted, but have been afraid to try, or are simply unaware of the benefits. The thing is, it’s not just about "cutting" plants - it’s about using all of your senses. Whether you are 14, 40 or 120, grab some shears and conjure up some imagination – because its a kind of activity that will bring out the best in you, and in those around you. (Because everyone loves a beautiful garden :)

It’s true, creating this site is a bit of a dream of mine, but there’s more to it than that. It’s also my way of exposing a hobby, that has a genuinely positive influence, to as many people as possible. So, what you can expect from this site is pages and pages of content, written and edited for your benefit, all the information we can create that will help you in your garden. 

One last thing. You can and will make mistakes, and you should try things out and take "risks". Cutting too much or not cutting in the right place is just part of the process. So join me, and please, give yourself permission to try. At worst, you’ll learn something you didn’t know before. Whatever you do, I promise you will improve over time, and your garden will thank you for it. Also, did I mention that pruning is the BEST hobby ever!! ;)

Providing general guidelines on 'how to prune' any kind of plant is important, but there are plants, and there is YOUR plant. So despite there being loads of information on this site, I also provide specific and personalized support. If something wasn't clear, or you're not sure of your plant's name, simply send me a picture with your question. Use the form below and I'll get back to you. In the mean time, see what others are asking.