John Cushnie draws on decades of experience to guide readers through techniques that will improve the quality and yield of fruit, flowers and foliage, encourage growth and point it in the right direction, extend the life of a plant, restrict size and produce desired shapes, whether elegant or wacky. With sections on when to prune; special treatments for old plants, bonsai plants, hedges, trees, palms and bamboos; detailed advice for more complicated groups such as roses, climbers and fruit, this is the practical guide that keen gardeners and beginners alike have been waiting for.