When Tracy Furey, the Executive Producer of WFSB’s Better Connecticut, asked me about pruning a hydrangea shrub for an upcoming segment, little did I realize that once our sharp pruners were out, there was no stopping us!

Being the great sport that he is, Scot Haney (co-host of Better Connecticut) joined me at Connecticut Country House to refresh my overgrown garden beds full of dead stems and branches.

One of the things I love most about Scot, is that he tackles all projects with such gusto. His cameraman, Eric, joked that next time the segment should be on washing windows! (Hey! That’s a brilliant idea!)

Happy gardening!

Love, Nora

14 Comments

  1. Nan, Odessa, DE on May 30, 2018 at 10:05 am

    Tell me where to purchase the garden apron, please.
    Give us a session on fairy roses. I had an herb garden planted professionally years ago and in that garden was a fairy rose. The professional couple have since died. When I attempt to replace or order additional fairy roses NO ONE KNOWS what I am talking about. Is FAIRY the actual name of the rose? or is it a type of shrub rose? HELP!!!!!
    Waiting to see your fairy roses in bloom. Thanks.

    May I purchase a hardcopy of your garden issue?

  2. Maggie on May 30, 2018 at 4:54 pm

    Wish you would have told me about pruning hydrangeas Where do you cut I really just chop at mine and I’m sure I’m doing it all wrong

    • Nora on May 31, 2018 at 6:09 am

      Hi Maggie! I show you exactly where to cut the hydrangea stems in the video. It works for me every time! 🙂 Thanks! Love, Nora

  3. Patricia on May 31, 2018 at 6:54 am

    Dear Nora,
    Thank you for this cute and informative video. You have encouraged me to prune my lilac tree. I planted a lavender crepe myrtle last year, I can tell it is still alive, but it is not budding or greening up. I am considering a heavy pruning. ?
    I enjoy your blog and website. Sincerely, Patricia

    • Nora on June 1, 2018 at 8:22 pm

      Hi Patricia! I’m so glad I could be of help! Please do let me know how you make out! It may take a while for it to come back…Love, Nora

  4. Debbie on May 31, 2018 at 7:56 am

    Great tutorial Nora! Quick question: what brand is best for sharp pruners? Thanks.

    • Nora on June 1, 2018 at 8:18 pm

      Hi Debbie! I have 2 favorites from Fiskars & Cutco. LOVE them!

  5. Stacia on June 5, 2018 at 5:33 am

    Great, great, great video. So helpful. Explained a lot on taking care of my lilacs. But I do have a question regarding peonies. I’ve decided to do a nice size area and fill with peonies. All kinds and colors. But I have read that it isn’t good to plant right now. Best time is early fall. I live in Chicago. That said the nursery where I purchased the majority of my flowers said that he had never heard of that before. So, can you give me any suggestions. I have no problem keeping them in the pot they came in and caring for them thru the summer until early fall.

    • Nora on June 5, 2018 at 10:21 am

      Hi Stacia!
      I agree with the nursery person. I plant all season long. I feel that the plants are much better off planted into the garden than the chances of them drying out in a pot!
      The best time to plant is early morning or early evening when its cooler and sun is not beating down on them yet.
      Good luck! And let me know how they do! Love, Nora

  6. Stacia on June 5, 2018 at 3:55 pm

    Thank you. I’m going with you and the nursery guy. I love doing my planting in the early evening. Especially where these little beauties will be going. Lots of sun.
    Thank you again.
    Peace,
    Stacia

  7. Carrie S on June 11, 2018 at 8:51 am

    Thanks for posting this video! As a new homeowner, I’m trying to keep alive what the previous owners had and this video was VERY helpful for me, a gardening novice!

  8. Patricia Rafalko on June 21, 2018 at 7:58 am

    Good morning Nora. Well after pruning my stubborn crepe myrtle I am happy to report it is in full bloom! Leaves on all branches and hopefully buds in August. Thank you again for those great pruning tips.
    Love, Patricia

    • Nora on June 21, 2018 at 8:32 am

      Good morning Patricia! So, so very happy for this good news!! Enjoy! Happy Summer to you! Love, Nora

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