Question from Vanessa in Newbury: We are about to make major changes to out small "bishops hat shaped" garden, it will become semi circular and I am keen to keep encouraging the many birds and hedgehogs to the garden. Please could you let me know what evergreen/deciduous 20ft trees/bushes I could … [Read more...]
Planting a New Hedge
19 December 2011 By Leave a Comment
Question: I have just removed an 8 meter long 2 + metre high leylandii and the stumps have been ground out. I want to plant an evergreen hedge as quick growing as possible, please can you advise a variety that might be suitable, and does the earth need feeding in preparation. The position is west … [Read more...]
Red Ivy
2 September 2011 By Leave a Comment
Question: Can't stop admiring all the red ivy that seems to be on every wall and garden shed at the moment..... except mine! Can you suggest a good red ivy that I can plant on my east facing garden wall? Meg Answer: Hello, thank you for your email. Yes, the red climbers are lovely aren’t … [Read more...]
Cercidiphyllum Japonicum
24 October 2010 By 1 Comment
Question: I bought a 5 foot Cercidiphyllum Japonicum this summer and have been giving it plenty of water. It is now shedding its leaves quite quickly and they look fairly dried up. As yet they have not turned that lovely burnt pinkish orange colour. They are mostly green still and some yellow. Can … [Read more...]
How can I keep my garden chemical free?
12 July 2010 By 1 Comment
Question: To keep roses free from disease and bugs what can I plant with them to achieve this and make my garden chemical free. Answer: There are several points to bear in mind to reduce problems with roses: Buy good quality plants with good disease resistances Check the plants for any signs of … [Read more...]
Weedkiller
5 July 2010 By Leave a Comment
Question: I recently got involved has a volunteer in creating a community garden for elderly people the area we have was very overgrown we have now hacked it all to the ground with strimmers etc. but I have a idea that the weeds etc. will soon shoot up again. I would like some advice on a good … [Read more...]
Pampas Grass Pruning
2 June 2010 By 2 Comments
Question: Hello, I have just moved house and inherited a large pampas grass which is approx 10 feet across and is overhanging the footpath and my driveway, it also has last seasons plumes and appears very dense with previous dead foliage, the centre of the plant approx 3 feet in diameter appears … [Read more...]
My Onions are Bolting
2 June 2010 By Leave a Comment
Question: Some of my onions, which were planted from sets, are starting to form seed heads. Is it better to leave them alone, cut off seed heads and leave or should I just lift and use these onions. Answer: The only thing you can do at this stage is to cut off the flower stalk about two inches above … [Read more...]
When can I cut back Tulips?
14 May 2010 By Leave a Comment
Question: When can I cut back the leaves of tulips after they have finished blooming or is it better to lift them and replant in autumn? Answer: You should cut off the flower stem once the flower has faded then wait at least six weeks before cutting back the leaves; ideally wait until the leaves are … [Read more...]
