This is a good time of year to take a good look at your (therapeutic) garden and the overall landscape.  Winter pulls away the veil and lets us more clearly view the structure of the natural environment.  Are there trees that need to be pruned in order to open up the views of a part of the landscape?  It is also a good time take a look at the health of the shade and ornamental trees.  Are there branches that cross and are rubbing?  Calling in the assistance of a Certified Tree Arborist (CTA) can provide an evaluation of the trees and what needs to be done to improve their health and vitality.  Trees, after all, are a long term property and environmental investment.

How about the other elements in the landscape, such as the shrubs and ornamental grasses?  Have any of the decorative shrubs become over grown or are in need of a gentle pruning to open up views of other plantings or possibly keep the growth of the plant in check.  Some people like to cut back the ornamental grasses in the fall, however, I like to leave them alone throughout the winter.  Their movement is so graceful and they look great especially when covered with snow or ice.  You can do a light pruning on evergreens this time of year.  It is best to wait until late summer around August to do a hard pruning on evergreens.  Pruning in the summer gives the evergreens a time to ‘heal’ their wounds before the cold weather sets in.

There are several good books on pruning.  Hit the book stores or internet to search out one that suits your needs.  In fact, plan a pruning work shop for friends.  It is a great winter time activity.  A mug of hot coffee and good conversation make a good excuse to get ouside and enjoy nature.  You can also find a friend who is a tree expert (CTA) to lead the adventure.  I know a colleague who reguarily takes groups of residents of a a senior (CCRC) community for tree identification walk in Januray and February.  Enjoy!