Question
This fall I am planning to cut my honeysuckle bush to about 6" off the ground...it is growing profusly...I would like to do the same with my clematis since I don't like the bare bottom branches in the summer...even though there are flowers coming from these bare branches....is this harmful???

Answer
Terry,
 I have an "aggressive" honeysuckle and I cut it off every year at the height of the fence (6').  Cut it after the first hard frost.
  The clematis can actually be cut to about 4"-6" over the winter.  I like to mulch it and protect it from the elements-I put mulched leaves on it-about 12" high.

Sijka