Beginning the Trimming

I'm never one big on trimming and pruning. Frankly, it makes me nervous. It's such a big commitment to cut off those branches and leaves that have been growing so happily without interference. What if I cut at the wrong time? What if I cut the wrong way? Will I have ruined years worth of growth?

But regardless of that insecurity, pruning is part of gardening. In many cases, it helps plants grow better.

So, this weekend, I picked up the shears and started the big February cut. I've heard from many people that in Central Texas, Valentine's Day is basically the right time of year to cut perennials, grasses and some shrubs back. It's nice to have a rule of thumb. I suppose another would be NOT to prune anything woody that is spring blooming (since I'd be cutting off all the flower buds, getting fat now and ready for warm spring days.)

Mostly I sheared back grasses and sedges, like the lush, evergreen sedges lining the back path.

They were so beautiful and hairy, but I kind of like these little sheared green poofs too. (I hope I did the right thing by shearing them. I think I read that I am supposed to do that.)

I also cut back the old growth from my inland sea oats. The new growth is coming up from the roots (and the daffodils are about the bloom too).

Next for the shears will be my big beautiful bamboo muhly that became less beautiful after the big freeze.

These grasses have been growing for three years with abandon - I've never seen them brown and freeze. So sadly, I'll have to cut them back, but I'm hoping that they are strong enough to return quickly and with vigor. I miss the tall swaying green grass along the patio path...

On another note, the winter veggie garden has found its stride and is producing lettuce, broccoli, cilantro, arugula and greens like mad!