Pruning

Reflections on Pruning

well-pruned mulberry

Pruning 

can be a pleasing activity:

removing the dead stems, 

the leaves that might spread infection, 

cutting the shrub or tree back to its bare essentials, 

anticipating, through the exercise, 

an abundant leafing and flowering in spring.

It is a complex art, since each species or variety 

can react differently to the cut,

and weighty decisions must be taken.

Although I plan to buy an electric hedge trimmer,

since forty lavender bushes, 

numerous shrubs 

and burgeoning hedges

exact much labour,

I am aware that some of that fine pleasure will be lost.