The dazzling winter stems of Cornus, or dogwoods, have long been loved by gardeners, especially when planted on mass or beside water.
They are becoming increasingly popular in smaller gardens too, adding winter colour to borders.
Left unpruned the older stems become old and gnarly, and less colourful. To maintain the vivid winter stems it is vital to prune in spring by coppicing established plants or taking the older stems down to 2-3cm above ground.
Other plants to consider pruning now include Salix, Buddleia, and Spirea. Also, overgrown shrubs that need rejuvenation and perennial plants and grasses that have been left for decorative seed heads.
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