I would like to know when it is okay to cut the blooms After they have withered away and how to cut them because do I cut them short or leave them long.
You can remove the spent blooms. You just need to cut them off right behind the bloom.This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/rose-deadheading.htm
What is the branch collar?
The branch collar is the joint where the branch joins the trunk or another branch.
Here is a link that has a great image of these points on a tree.
http://fyi.uwex.edu/forestry/when-is-the-best-time-to-prune/
I'm not sure which are just opening up or should be removed.
Hmmm, can you let us know what type of flower that your are growing?
Flowers that are done blooming generally have a shriveled appearance.
What is the best time to prune back large bushes and lilacs?
Lilac's are best pruned in the spring, following their bloom period.
Pruning of most shrubs will depend on if they form flowers on old or new wood.
It is best to research the information on each plant type specifically.
Use the search tab at the top of the page for articles about your specific plants.
Here is a link about Lilac pruning.
I have a very mature vine that has not been pruned in years. It's probably 20' tall. The exterior plant is beautiful and very lush. Further in, closer to the fence, it's old and brown. I'm interested in drastically cutting it back from the fence to basically start over as if it were new. Will that kill it?
Pruning can be done following blooming. If the vines have become woody, these, the pruning can be done in stages. Prune 1/3 of the plant each season to gain control of the vine.
You can also cut the entire vine down and start with new plants. You can take cuttings very easily from your plant.
Late Pruning of Mock Orange and Deutzia Scabra - I realize that I am too late. However, I planted both 2-3 years ago, and both are growing very well. This year the Mock Orange had a beautiful display of white flowers whereas the Deutzia still has so far not! I realize that I should have pruned both after flowering but didn't. Can I do anything at this late stage?
It is possible to prune your plants back now without hurting them, but this will remove the flowering wood, so you won't see any flowers next year. Your other option is to wait to prune them next year. Deutzia can also benefit from the removal of about 1/3 of its stems down to near the ground. You can do this anytime, and it will encourage more healthy growth the following year.
Here are some possible reasons your Deutzia may not have flowers yet:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/plant-not-blooming.htm
Is there a simple list anywhere which shows which plants should be cut back Feb/March?
There are several factors that go into pruning; how and when.
The type of plant or tree is most important along with your growing zone.
Many trees and perennials do require or is best to time pruning while they are dormant or just prior to leaf break. This is not always the case, such as Birch Trees. Birch Trees should be pruned in Summer.
Many blooming plants should be pruned following first bloom, so pruning in Winter or Early Spring will result in removing the seasons flowers.
If you can give us more specifics we would be happy to help you with your garden.