[Hey Jude]

severely cut their bedding plants and annuals back just before they go on holiday and found them looking lovely when they returned?!!! Jude.

[fatcat1955]

Don't know about annuals, but you can do it with perennials.

[peapod]

Yes! Its recommended that you cut them back to encourage another flush of flowers.  No dead heading can be done when you are on your jollies 

[Hey Jude]

Thanks - I thought I probably could but had visions of wielding the secateurs and ending up with diddly squat when I came back!! Jude