Garden Myths
There are a few 'myths' that have been doing the rounds for so many years, that they have almost become traditions.

I would like to dispel a few of them in this article. The first 'myth' is that 'native plants are low maintenance, and don't need any extra water'. In fact, most native shrubs and trees need pruning after they flower to maintain their bushy shape. Those that have been allowed to go unpruned, are often leggy with sparse foliage. In some ways, they are higher maintenance than a lot of exotics. It is true that native plants grow in the wild without extra water, however, the native plants we buy in the nursery are usually bred specially for the home garden, and may be native to a vastly different area of the country. Consequently, those who buy native plants for a low maintenance garden, and then limit the care given to them, will most likely only gain a low maintenance garden because all the plants will die!

Another 'myth' is that 'any pest or disease problem in the garden requires a chemical spray - and plenty of it!' Actually, there should be very little need to spray any chemical in your garden. With proper planning, maintenance and vigilance, most garden pests and diseases can be avoided or managed successfully. Chemical insecticides kill good bugs as well as bad ones, creating an imbalance in the micro climate of the garden. Chemical fungicides are only effective if the entire plant is covered with it, and it must be re-applied after rain. Chemical herbicides can be useful, but should be limited as they remain in the soil for some time.

Lastly, the myth of 'you have to prune all fruit trees - including ornamentals'. There are several fruit trees which fruit on the same spurs every year, notably cherries and apples. By pruning these trees every year, you are cutting off the fruiting buds. If you have fruit trees, make sure that you research how and when to prune them. Ornamental fruit trees need very little pruning, especially weeping trees. If you prune your weeping trees, you are very likely to prune off the weeping branches, and leave only the rootstock which forms the standard trunk. It is shame to see a beautiful and valuable weeping tree which has been destroyed by an over-enthusiastic pruner!

Happy Gardening,
Kathy