I'm debating whether to do the Chelsea Chop this year. I use to do it with pretty good results in early June. The season was really delayed this year so I'm debating whether or not to do it this year.

Does anyone else use the Chop method? Recommendations? Alternatives?

(here's a link about the Chelsea Chop: http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/p...)

Here's 2011 - a no chop June.....

I only chopped my helenium and matricaria this year. And of course my mums! But I cannot believe how late some of my stuff is this year.

that's my dilemma, Jennifer - my stuff is late too. Debating whether to tip the asters back...have decided to do half the phlox....crossing my fingers that I won't end up bloom-less in late July and August...

Oh, I did chop the asters!

The deer chopped our mountain of asters. Finally I can thank them for something they did!

I chopped back some tall phlox, helenium, Fireworks goldenrod and mums.

I never knew it was the Chelsea Chop, but I do it. I learned it from liking catmint a great deal. lol

I never think to chop my tall phlox. Have to remember to do that next year

I'm doing a 'half chop' on the Tall Garden Phlox - and thinning clumps as well. I heard (read, was told? can't remember) that chopping the front half of the clump will extend the bloom and cover any ragged spent Phlox stalks. The clump thinning is supposed to decrease the probability of mildew.

I chopped Phlox 3 weeks ago. The phlox are putting out new shoots. I chop Phlox Minnie Pearl earlier. Its just going out of bloom and I will chop next week for late summer rebloom.

I think I'm going to do a half chop on my tall phlox when I get home!

I chopped mine today . The 'chopped' part is in my bouquets for market!

too smart Arlene!