27 JANUARY 1956, Page 33

CLEMATIS PRUNING

Clematis are things that seem to suffer from neglect in a lot of gardens. They are either badly pruned or left to themselves. New plants should be .cut back severely, but established clematis require attention by cutting away weakly shoots. Cuts should be made above the node. The principle of fostering new wood at the expense of old is good, and cutting •back strong stems will encourage branching at lower places.