Gardening advice for spring blooms and winter indoor plants

Gardening experts advise against pruning certain shrubs in September to ensure successful spring flowering. Pruning at this time can inadvertently remove flower buds that have already begun to form for the next season.

Specific plants recommended to be left untouched include rhododendrons, camellias, lilacs, magnolias, Daphne, Osmanthus, Chaenomeles, and Mahonia. Leaving these plants undisturbed also provides shelter and food for wildlife during the colder months.

For indoor environments, several plant varieties are noted for their ability to bloom during the autumn and winter months, providing color when outdoor light is limited. Recommended indoor species include Christmas cacti, Anthuriums, Bromeliads, and Oxalis.