Pruning during the summer offers numerous benefits to plants, including the promise of more attractive displays. Removing new growth before it turns woody can also reduce the chances of plants releasing nitrogen. According to Monty Don, this is why lavender needs trimming in August, as leaving the task too late could lead to “woody, leggy plants”. The horticulturist explained: “The best time to do this is as soon as the flowers start to fade, which, depending on the variety, can be any time between midsummer and the end of August. “But do not wait for the seed heads to form or the flowers to t…
