Photo courtesy of Noah Sweeney.

The sun settled in the western sky, like an unlit celestial match, dropping quickly to the horizon where it collided and set the sky ablaze, the clouds smouldering like embers.  Sunsets – a heavenly gift.  Nature unrestrained and uninhibited.  Perfect.

So why is it that we attempt to alter, shape, and influence the natural growing habits of our plants, shrubs, and trees?  I cannot think of one viable reason, other than perhaps we chose the wrong plant for the wrong area, but again, this is human error not nature’s.

When we prune our plants into unnatural, anomalous forms, we are doing nature a great disservice.  Plants should be allowed to reach their full potential in their native form; and when allowed, they are the most stunning, breathtaking specimens we could imagine.  I mean, how audacious can we be?  Even Edward Scissorhands would concur.

Not convinced?  Scroll through the photos below, and I’m certain you’ll agree:

Spirea Bridal Wreath in natural form.

Spirea Bridal Wreath pruned and misshapen.

Forsythia in natural form.

Forsythia pruned and misshapen.

Boxwood in natural form.

Boxwood pruned and misshapen.

It’s not only a matter of aesthetics.  When plants are intensely pruned, shaped, and molded, they become weakened and more susceptible to disease and infestation.

I understand we all have different ideas of beauty, after all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I beg you to give nature a fighting chance by stepping back, and letting it work its magic, much like a beautiful sunset – impossible to improve upon.

“The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man.”

-Author Unknown

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney