SUN CITY — Ed Schuckert, University of Illinois Extension McHenry County Master Gardner and fellow resident in the Del Webb Community, gave a presentation on “Basic Pruning” in the Drendel Ballroom of the Prairie Lodge on Thursday, March 18th. Ed Dziubinski, Rick Payne, and Kathy Render, fellow Master Gardeners, were on hand to assist Ed as he spoke to a crowd of about 140 interested residents.
As more chairs were brought in to accommodate the growing crowd, Ed fielded questions from the floor. Martha McGyer, of Neighborhood 21, wanted to know what to do about Japanese Beetles. “Pray!” Ed exclaimed. He explained that there wasn‘t much you could do.
Ed has lived in the Del Webb community in Neighborhood 10 for the last 10 years and has been a Master Gardner for the last 12 years, volunteering about 30 hours a week.
“We’re here not to give you the answers, but to find the answers.”
To influence the size and abundance of flowers or fruits, modify the form of the plant, induce vigorous growth, or maintain the attractiveness of colored-twigged plants, prune.
Regarding basic pruning techniques, Ed advised, “there is a right way and a wrong way, but you want to do it right. There’s more to pruning than you think.”
Ed explained that, number one, “you prune for appearance.” There are several different techniques in the process, from taking care of crowded branches, closely spaced limbs, water sprouts, and suckers, as well as the angle on how to make the correct cut while pruning. He emphasized that cutting tools should be sharp, cleaned, and oiled after use. And be sure to use gloves!
Ed brought along several different tools and, with the help of Kathy Render, demonstrated how to use them, showing the audience how to specifically cut and prune on several short branches.
Several interested attendees wanted to know when was the best time to cut, and Ed happily answered, “Anytime! Even when they are dormant.” He added, “always cut two or three weeks after they have flowered.”
When cutting, think first, cut safely, be ruthless, and be brave! Don’t be afraid to cut.
Howard Hoyt, from Neighborhood 7, wanted to know, “Does the association do an adequate job (of maintaining the premises and disposing of refuse) at Sun City?” Without missing a beat, Ed firmly said, “Yes!”
In closing, Ed encouraged the audience to bring their problem plants to the Woodstock office any time between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. during the summer months, and they will do their best to solve the problem.
The next scheduled presentation, “Insects and Diseases of Plants,” will May 17th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.in Drendel Ballroom of the Prairie Lodge. The focus will be identifying plant pests and problems and learning how to manage them.
You can find Ed or another Master Gardner on hand on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m. in the Prairie Lodge to answer your gardening questions April 27th thru August 31st.
