“M y partner and I could really use some advice on the best strategy for pruning a Rhododendron. It’s many years old, and we are terrified of accidentally harming it. Over the last few years, it has grown very tall and almost appears to have two distinct zones, top and bottom. Ideally we would like to cut most of the top half off, but aren’t sure how to do this without shocking the tree or adversely affecting its health. Any recommendations you have would be very much appreciated.” Cristi & Mike, New Hyde Park Hi Cristi & Mike, Rhododendrons are very responsive to pruning. Rejuvenative pruning is often used to restore shrubs that have become too leggy. Many species and hybrids of Rhododendron can be cut back severely with no harm to the health of the plant. Most of the time, I would suggest making a small test cut to one of the branches to see how your plant responds. In cases where there is already a significant amount of new growth at the base, this isn’t necessary. I would suggest waiting until winter, if possible, to make any large cuts so that the plant is dormant. ~Maura Brush President & CEO Old Westbury Gardens Green Thumb Tips
If you have a gardening question you’d like us to answer, email it to greenthumb@oldwestburygardens.org
Hidden Gems
O
ne of the less visi- ble items of the fine arts collection of the Phipps family on display in Westbury
House is the 5 1/2’ by 7’ paint- ing As You Like It (oil, 1789) by John Downman (English, 1750- 1824). It is located atop the stair- case on the third floor and vis - ible by looking up the staircase from the second-floor landing. The painting depicts Act I, Scene 2, 43–57, from Shakespeare’s comedy As You Like It . In this scene, Rosalind, who has just fallen in love with Orlando at first sight, presents him with a Continued on next page.
As You Like It (oil, 1789) by John Downman (English, 1750-1824); Westbury House Collection
2
2
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator