When to Prune

Knockout Rose - prune in early spring, thin out branches, feed

Forsythia- prune right after blooming, trim way back

Spirea-  prune after blooming, trim and shape

Hydrangia- depends upon type - some bloom on old wood, some on new wood

Russian sage -  classified as a woody sub-shrub. Many people prune them annually to keep short, like perennial flowers.  Some people trim in early spring to keep winter interest

Monkey Grass- ok to trim in fall or spring

Hosta- divide and separate in spring or fall

Boxwood- anytime- likes fertilizer in the spring - also mulch

Rhododendron and Azalea - prune after bloom,  feed in spring

Spreading Yew (Taxus repandens) is low growing with attractive arching branches, and won't grow out of bounds like other yews.   selective pruning 

http://www.thegardencontinuum.com/blog/bid/38277/Landscape-Field-Videos-How-to-Prune-a-Yew

Selective pruning- yes

Sheared- no

 get rid of Virginia Creeper

http://landscaping.about.com/od/vineplants1/p/virginiacreeper.htm

cut the vine's trunk (near ground level), then apply the strongest concentrate of glyphosate (Roundup) you can buy to the fresh wound. An organic method of killing Virginia creeper is to dig it out, but this is easier said than done, as the plant spreads via rhizomes.

Lambs ear, cat mint- silvery prune all the time

Peony-  After first frost, cut stems back to two inches above soil line. The first winter, apply a 4- to 6-inch layer of  mulch, prevent roots from being heaved out of the ground by alternate freezing and thawing. Once your peonies are established, annual winter mulching is not necessary. Remove protective mulch in the spring.

Maiden grass- ornamental grasses with narrow, graceful leaves that move gently in breezes in the garden. It is a warm-season, clump-forming grass Maiden grass has narrow leaves about 1/4 inch wide with an arching clump 48 to 60 inches tall.  Prefers a full-sun exposure in a moist, fertile garden loam. It needs to be divided every third/ fourth year to keep the center of the clump from dying.

 

Lavenders are usually planted in large clumps of one variety, where their soft shade and cool, subtle foliage provide quiet dignity through the summer. In one of our trials, we discovered that a perfectly delightful effect can be had by combining several varieties whose disparate heights, colors, and forms flow together to produce a garden that is interesting and informal, but very definitely Lavender. Of course, there is no 'right' way to combine them. Two plants each of 3 hardy varieties: Lavandula angustifolia, L. x intermedia 'Grosso', and L. x i. 'Provence'. Six plants total. They will cover about 20 sq. ft. Pot-grown. Exclusive.

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/83282-product.html

Height: 2-3'

Fragrance: Yes

Deer Resistant: Yes

Exposure: Full Sun

Blooms In: June-July

Spacing: 18-24"             prune after blooming . do not prune woody stems.

do not prune in winter . mistake to separate older lavenders.