[Bill2015]

I have a path which is buried because some plants have become very overgrown. I am hoping I can cut them way back but I need to figure out what they are first so I can look them up.

In the last picture you will see where the path is. The first 4 pictures are the plants.

Thanks a mill,

Bill

[Silver surfer]

First pic on left looks like very healthy Sarcococca sp.

1. Pieris sp.
2. Looks like Skimmia sp.
3. Rhododendron.
4. Magnolia.

[Blowin]

I'm not going to even try with the identification but, in 'nuts 'n' bolts' terms, I assume leaving things as they are isn't an option. So, some of each plant - or indeed all of it - is going to have to go to reclaim your path. The surplus growth is so excessive that I can't imagine any orthodox book will cover that level of pruning. Usually much too 'itzy bitzy'.

If you feel you like a particular plant, take a cutting or two, but then start cutting back until you have your path. By looking at each plant it should then tell you whether or not it is saveable. If 'Yes', leave it. If 'No' take it out and prepare the site for one of your seedlings.

[Good guy]

From the look of it you will need long-handled loppers and a maybe a pruning saw as well as secateurs.

Study the plant you want to cut back until you can identify how the largest branches relate to each other and how they make up the bulk of the plant. Then remove one of them, maybe in stages. Use good stems as Blowin says to make hardwood cuttings.

Stand back and examine the effect of what you have done, and pick another for removal. Do this until you have reduced the bulk of the plant by about half.

Then reduce the length of the remaining branche by half. As you go, follow the old pruning advice: "take out weak and crossing growth".

When you have done this to them all, consider how much you need to remove to restore the path to use. As you cut back further, try to leave an acceptable shape for re-growth.

The rhododendron will almost certainly survive this treatment and I think the others probably will, too. When you are finished cutting, feed them with some bfb and mulch them. The soil is probably depleted of nutrients.
Good luck with it.

Have a read of the spiracles/greengage thread under Pruning, further down the page.

[Sue Deacon]

All good advice, I would add a couple of thoughts. Some plants do resent being cut right back and will 'sulk' for a few years, others may even die if you do too much at a time. If the rhodo is a 'true' rhodo, it will come back with a vengeance. But an azalea may well give up altogether. You may have to do a bit at a time.

The other thought is, if these plants are vigorous growers you may have a regular job on your hands. That's fine if you have the time and energy, but otherwise you may want to consider replacing some of these plants if you want to use the path regularly.

I only say this because there is an enormous Rhododendron ponticum in the wood adjoining our garden and I have an annual task of trying to stop it taking over our garden!

[kindredspirit]

Go in with fury and vengeance. You may find a pot of gold at the end.

[Greengage]

I thought the first was,
Sarcoccoca.
Pieris
Skimmia
Rhododendron
Magnolia stellata
Silver surfer can you look at the first one again
Cut back the sarcoccoca, Prune the Pieris Leave the rhodo and leave the magnolia.
You could move the path

[Bill2015]

Thanks very much everybody for the advice.

Greengage, the first picture was just to show where the path is or was. You are right though the main plant in that picture is Sarcococca. SilverSurfer identified it for me in another thread. The scent from it is incredible. I can smell it from 30 feet away.

Bill

[Silver surfer]

[Greengage]

Thought i got one over on you ah well next time.

[tagwex]

Ha. I'm the only one who has done that. Still floating on a cloud here. Macro carpa I shall never forget you!!!! One of my finest moments, possibly the best ever.