General Pruning & Border Reset Plan
This stage of the garden restoration focuses on controlled pruning, feeding, and temporary suppression, rather than removal and replanting. The aim is to rejuvenate existing plants, improve structure, and create stronger flowering growth.

elaeagnus ebbingei (Left-Hand Side)
- Prune each stem back by approximately 8 inches.
- This will:
- Encourage fresh lateral shoots
- Thicken the plant overall
- Prevent legginess
- Do not cut to the base — just reduce the current stem length to stimulate bushier regrowth.
Goal: Denser growth and stronger flowering structure.

Quince (Multiple in Garden)
- Cut all stems back hard to around 6 inches from ground level.
- Allow new stems to emerge strongly from the base.
- As new shoots develop:
- Select the strongest stems
- Retrain them against the fence
- Tie in for improved structure and better flowering display
Hard pruning encourages:
- Stronger new wood
- More flowers
- Better fence coverage
Goal: Regenerate the plant and retrain for maximum floral impact.

Hebe (Right-Hand Side)
- Do not prune at this stage.
- Instead, feed to stimulate healthy new growth.
Feeding Instructions:
- Use a high-nitrogen feed (e.g. Miracle-Gro powder).
- Mix into a watering can as directed.
- Water directly onto the root zone.
Nitrogen encourages:
- Leaf development
- Strong vegetative growth
- Recovery from previous stress
Goal: Strengthen the plant before any shaping cuts later in the season.

Rose Arch (Bottom of Garden – Honeysuckle)
- Prune honeysuckle back hard to about 6 inches above ground level.
- Feed after pruning to support regrowth.
- Allow fresh shoots to establish.
- Later in the year, introduce:
- Roses
- Sweet peas
This creates:
- A refreshed climbing framework
- Cleaner structure
- Better seasonal layering
Goal: Reset the climber base for a more controlled and abundant display.
Border Suppression & Reset Method
After pruning:
- Cover borders with black plastic.
- Peg down securely or weigh down with bricks.
- Leave in place to:
- Suppress regrowth
- Kill remaining weeds
- Reduce maintenance pressure
This allows you to:
- Move on to other garden areas
- Let plants reset without constant interference
- Regain control gradually
🌿 Overall Strategy
- Prune to rejuvenate.
- Feed to strengthen.
- Suppress to reset.
- Retrain for structure.
- Add new climbers later for layered seasonal colour.