RHS Pruning and Training by Christopher Brickell - Non Fiction - Paperback

Title:
RHS Pruning and Training

Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781405363129

Overview:
RHS Pruning and Training is the definitive practical guide for gardeners who want healthier, more productive plants and a tidier, more rewarding outdoor space. Fully updated by the Royal Horticultural Society's experts, this paperback edition distills years of hands-on experience into clear, step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow whether you're pruning a mature fruit tree, shaping a flowering shrub, or training a climber on a support frame. The book covers more than 800 trees, shrubs, and climbing plants, offering precise guidance for fruits, roses, shrubs, and trees alike, with seasonal calendars to help you time cuts for maximum bloom and crop. Rich photography accompanies each technique, illustrating the exact cuts, the angles, and the forming shapes you should expect. From basic pruning to advanced methods, the text builds confidence as you work through the year, explaining how specific cuts influence structure, health, and flowering. Whether you're renovating an overgrown border or planning a long-term training frame for a climber, this guide delivers practical, reliable instructions you can trust, year after year.

What You’ll Discover Inside:
Inside you’ll discover a clear framework for pruning and training that applies across varied plant types. The author explains the why behind common cuts, helping you recognize how growth responds to different pruning strategies. The guide covers seasonal timing, tool selection, and hygiene practices that protect plants and reduce the risk of disease. Each chapter focuses on a plant group—fruits, roses, shrubs, trees—and provides specific techniques from formative pruning to maintenance and rejuvenation. You’ll learn about training methods for climbers on wires, pergolas, and frames, plus how to create balanced shapes, promote fruiting, and encourage new growth while preserving plant health. The book also includes guidance on special techniques such as coppicing, pollarding, and pinch pruning, with practical tips for adapting these methods to different species. The photography helps you visualise the exact points to cut and the impact of each action. By following the step-by-step sequences, even novices can progress from basic trimming to more confident pruning decisions.

Who It’s For:
This book is ideal for home gardeners who want reliable, accessible pruning guidance, whether you're starting your first shrub border or managing an expanding orchard. It's suitable for beginners who appreciate clearly illustrated steps, as well as experienced amateurs seeking refreshers on specialised techniques. It suits those looking to improve year-round garden health, structure, and aesthetics, as well as fruit growers and rose enthusiasts wishing to optimise bloom and crop. The forgiving, practical approach makes it a great reference for hobbyist gardeners, master gardeners, and DIY alike. Gift buyers will find a complete, well-illustrated handbook that supports confident decision-making as seasons change. Its emphasis on safe practices and plant health makes it useful for family-friendly gardening projects and classroom learning about plant care.

Key Highlights:

• Fully updated by RHS experts
• Covers more than 800 trees, shrubs, and climbing plants
• Clear, step-by-step pruning and training instructions
• Includes fruits, roses, shrubs, and trees
• Specialist techniques: coppicing, pollarding, pinch pruning
• Rich photography illustrating technique and form

About the Author:
Christopher Brickell is the author of RHS Pruning and Training. His work reflects practical horticultural knowledge and a focus on translating pruning theory into actionable, garden-friendly steps. In this title, he presents a concise, accessible approach to shaping trees, shrubs, and climbers in line with proven pruning practices. The book emphasizes year-round care, seasonal timing, and maintenance strategies that suit both beginners and more experienced gardeners. The author’s clear, pragmatic style helps readers make confident decisions about tool use, growth patterns, and how to achieve healthy, well-formed plants. This edition showcases his ability to distill complex horticultural concepts into straightforward, repeatable processes that gardeners can apply immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Book:
Whether you’re new to pruning or expanding an established garden, this book offers a dependable, friendly guide. Its comprehensive coverage, clear instructions, and helpful photography make it a valued reference for ongoing garden planning and year-round maintenance. The combination of practical steps, seasonal timing, and specialist techniques enables you to achieve professional-looking results at home. Owning this guide also makes a thoughtful gift for garden lovers, students, or friends who want to build confidence with pruning. The emphasis on plant health and sensible technique means you’ll prune with purpose, preserving vitality while delivering beautiful shapes and productive crops.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.