Time to prune the F. baldschuanica...

This afternoon i thought i'd tackle the Fallopia baldschuanica growing along the fende opposite the kitchen window. I know it has a bad reputation as 'mile-a-minute' but, given the correct situation such as an ugly fence/wall that needs covering, it proves to be the ideal candidate. Throughout the summer i prune it back 3-4 times however at this time of year i like to give it a good prune, taking all the whippy growth back to a couple of buds. This neatens the bare branches and framework for the winter before the new growth commences.

All wrapped up! Its blinking cold out there today...

This job involves moving all the various pots that sit on that side of the patio. This gave me a good excuse to have a good sweep up which i think, always makes a big difference. It can be surprising how much rubbish builds up behind and between such a large group of pots. I removed no end of leaves that had started to break down, plant labels and compost which had spilt out of some of the pots during the rodent attack on the crocus.

Pots all returned to their (slightly) diffrent positions. All looking nice and tidy how we like it!