Friday's...in The Garden...Rhododendron Ambush

Hi Everyone...I was in my friend's garden

This week, I ambushed my friend's rhododendrons. I have been telling her for the longest time..."You're house has no curb appeal, because you can't SEE your house".

Her house is actually really cute, once you find your way around the rhododendrons. I won't show you a picture of her home because she has no idea I am doing any of this....she is on vacation. Good thing she doesn't read my blog. A few landscapers gave her various advice on the best way to tackle these overgrown bushes. Two said "tear them out and start fresh". Another said he could trim them back for $500.

They are huge, and this is a big job. My opinion was to do it over 2-3 spring seasons (after the bloom). This is the longest slowest process, but will have the least amount of shock to the plant. Not to mention the fact that her husband doesn't want them touched. Did I mention that she is also my lawyer? Something about a cup of coffee and a ten dollar bill... she can no longer repeat anything we discuss. All of you former lawyers turned bloggers are nodding your heads.

This is a quick reference on how to prune a shrub

I don't want to do a tutorial on this because you can kill the plants if you prune too much. For some good tips on pruning rhododendrons, go here.  If you are doing more than just shaping and pruning...you should consider hiring someone who knows how. I worked for a few hours and took off this much

Since my friend is out of town, when she returns....if she is still speaking to me....I'll suggest I come back for round 2. This will give you an idea of how it is shaping up

It is starting to look so much better. I hope her husband isn't mad. They are having a pool installed, and I want to be on the "swim" list. Don't let your shrubs get this out of control! It is much cheaper to have them pruned than it is to replace them or deal with a huge pruning bill like this would have been. Was this considered trespassing? I have a feeling she will let me know.