my new house

I have posted a pic in the photo forum of my new house. I am planning a border along the fence in front. I have book on shade gardening to work with the back, but I can't decide what to do. I guess I'll just work a little at a time. I need to get the lawn growing better, trim the trees, get rid of the poison ivy (it run along the entire length of the fence on the north side. mainly on the neighbors side but it hangs over to my side). I really need to trim the lilac bush (at least that is what someone told me it was) by the house, how far can I prune it back without killing it? I like the bush & I like the location except it is laying on the roof & I need to back it off a bit. When can I prune it? now? after frost? Zone 5b. If you have any ideas please let me know. I have a lot of work ahead this spring! Julie

Don't prune your lilac now. It blooms on last year's wood. Wait and prune right after it blooms, no later. I have an article about pruning lilac with a very good picture demonstration. I will try to find time to scan it this week and post on the photo forum. It is very good. (Love your house, by the way.) I trimmed both of my old lilacs using the method in the article, and they both thrived from the shearing. It gets rid of the old scrubby undergrowth and replaces it with fresh new stuff.

Thanks Lantana, I will be looking forward to the article. The bush is already budding, but the old 4" branches don't have many buds. I will learn!!!!! Julie

I've posted the lilac article. I hope you will find it very useful.

Dignbloom, I didn't know if you knew this or not, so I'll add this just in case. Don't burn the poison ivy after you've cut it. It can be inhaled during burning. It's best just to let it dry out. I'd also get rid of the gloves I've used because the oil will more than likely be on them, and keep in mind the oil can get on your clothes too. I'm looking forward to hearing what plants you use for the shady areas. I have several shady areas myself and can always use some ideas.
Carol

Carol - yes I know not to burn it. Other folks around here say they have tried everything but burning it to get it gone. I have new neighbors that just moved in this winter where all of it is growing. I hope they will take care of it this spring. I would hate to pour poison in their yard but my 3 year old gets the stuff bad. I was out there the other day & I think it had buds on it. I pulled it twice from inside my yard last year & broke out both times. This year I will try IvyBlock lotion.

If anyone know of a way to handle the smaller poison ivy without dangerous chemical please let me know (have children). I will try anything. Obviously if I am willing to try a chemical that requires you to wear protective clothing & mask! Julie