Gardening Tip #1: Pruning Spring-flowering Shrubs
A question we often hear this time of year is, “When should I prune my spring flowering shrubs?” Azaleas and forsythia, for example, can take us by surprise in spring by how much they have grown. You may need to prune your shrubs to restore their shape or to reclaim a path or part of a bed. In general, the correct time to prune these shrubs is right after flowering. Prune by removing weak or damaged wood and by cutting flowering branches back to areas of vigorous growth. Be sure to keep an eye on the shape and habit of the plant by stepping back and reviewing your work frequently. By pruning right after flowering, you allow the plants to develop replacement shoots that will mature and flower the next season. If you delay pruning too late into the growing season, or into the winter, new shoots won’t develop or they will not ripen enough to produce flowers. This rule of thumb can be used as a general guide for azaleas, forsythia, corylopsis, flowering quince, lilacs, and most other shrubs that flower in spring.
On the second Saturday of each month, one of our staff members leads a walk highlighting something special in the garden or on the estate. These 
The blossoms of flowering quince are a sure sign that Winterthur’s Sundial Garden is about to come into its own. In the Sundial Garden, April is like a fireworks show—light the fuse and stand back. This part of the Winterthur Garden was not designed to offer multiple seasons of interest; instead, it was created to look its best in April. With the warmth of the last couple of days, magnolia, quince, and spiraea have begun their display. Presiding over this colorful performance is one of Winterthur’s finest specimen trees, a large, cloud-like Magnolia called ‘Wada’s Memory.’
One of the most spectacular plant combinations in the Winterthur Garden is near its peak; the Winter Hazel Walk is a collage in shades of purple and pale yellow. The Walk combines the butter yellow of winter hazel (Corylopsis spp.) with the pink to purple flowers of the Korean azalea (Rhododendron mucronulatum). Hellebores, evergreens, and shrubs like the cherry prinsepia (Prinsepia sinensis), play supporting roles. A visit in the morning or evening is a perfect time to enjoy the azaleas backlit against thousands of winter hazel blossoms.
More information about the garden and a 
I am pleased to announce that the Faerie Cottage in 
Spring has arrived in the Winterthur Garden. The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and the white arrows have come out of hibernation to direct guests through the garden for Spring Tour. The route starts at the Visitor Center, meanders through the garden highlighting weekly seasonal changes, and ends at the Dorrance Gallery by the Reflecting Pool. Come out to see some old favorite floral combinations and perhaps a few hidden treasures!