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Why is winter a good time to prune plants?  Well the main reason is that it is the best time to see branch patterns.  Most pruning can be done at any time.  However, many prefer winter because it is easier to see crossing and oddly shaped limbs.  Pruning is the single most important aspect of plant care and landscape improvement.  Bad pruning can destroy a tree or shrub but horticulturally correct pruning will bring out the best.

Liver and worts are not most peoples favorite landscape features.  However, over the last few years the low growing and mat forming Liverwort weed has taken over.  This weed has moved into landscape from the forest over the last 3-5 years and appears to be very happy.  It is more of a moss type plant.  One of those primitive beginning of time organisms.  While this would be a good biology topic it is a problem in the landscape.

One of the latest trends in landscaping is up on the roof.  Eco roofs are often simple and shallow plantings of ground cover plants.  The main point is urban cooling and reduction of stormwater runoff.  Eco roof plantings have made the news a lot in the past few years but the old standard rooftop garden is my favorite.

I have to say I don't mind having Spring for Summer.  I prefer 80 degrees to 100 degrees.  I think plants do also.  During most summers plants will stop growing during hot weather.  High temperatures bring on dormancy.  However, not this year.  Plants are continuing to grow.  What does this mean?  Well it means that you must keep up on watering.  Lots of people are not watering enough because it is cool.  Don't do that.  Water just like you would if it were hot.  Ninety percent of the water used in landscapes is from lawns, shrubs and trees absorbing it, NOT from evaporation.  Be sure to ap