The Kankakee Kultivators Garden Club met Thursday, March 14, at the Kankakee Library. The program, “Pruning and Shrub Care,” was presented by Nancy Addison, a trained botanist and member of the Kultivator’s Club since 1998. Nancy was instrumental in the planning of the Column Garden, at the Kankakee County Museum.
Nancy’s first statement was dramatic: “I hate cutting! It took a while to gain confidence.” She stated the main reasons for removal of unwanted parts of a plant include: Dead or diseased branches; controlling a plant’s size; directing the growth; improving flowering; re-energizing old plants; and plant health.
Her most important advice is “know your plant.” When purchasing plants or shrubs, know what area you want to fill. Research the plant for growth before buying and be prepared to prune if it has big growth. When buying, bare root and burlap wrapped shrubs should be planted in the spring to allow them to drop leaves and develop roots, getting a head start on spring. Container shrubs may be planted anytime. Consider native plants to attract birds and butterflies.
Correct pruning cuts are a 45-degree angle and approximately ¼ inch above the buds. Pruning cuts include pinching, deadheading, thinning, heading back, rejuvenation, and shearing. Tools for the job include pruning shears, loppers, hedge shears, and a hand saw. Nancy asked everyone in attendance to pick branches from the supply she brought to practice making cuts.
Nancy also recommended doing research on individual plants to know when is the best time to prune. She suggested doing a Google search on a specific plant, talking with an expert at the garden center, and pruning books. Her favorites include “Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs,” by Michael A. Dirr, and “The American Horticultural Society Pruning and Training,” by Christopher Brickell and David Joyce.
The Kultivators also announced the club’s upcoming events: April 11, at 1 p.m., Program – “Container Gardening,” by Marla Gash and Mary Prairie, at the Kankakee Library; May 9, at 1 p.m., Program – “Kankakee College Horticultural Program,” by Katelynn Orth, program director, Kankakee Library; May 19 – Kultivators plant sale at Rhubarb Festival; and June 27 – Kankakee Kultivators Garden Club Garden Walk, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., plus Artisan Faire, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This is their premier event. More information coming soon. Save the date!