Can you tell me how to get rid of dead ivy that has stuck to brickwork and leaves a trail?

Answer:

First of all cut off the plant at the base to stop it re-shooting. If the ivy has grown into the cracks of the brinks you could end up pulling out parts of the wall as well. Clipping ivy off the surface is slow work, but it's better than risking the possible damage. The process will leave little rootlets still attached to the wall, but over time (usually about a season) they'll dry up and fall away. Immediately after taking off the ivy, wash the wall with a stiff-bristled brush and a solution of laundry detergent and water. This will remove the ivy's adhesive pads, which held it to the wall. If you let these pads dry before you attempt to remove them, they'll be almost impossible to get off.

• Pine Trees - Question:One of our Pine Trees is infested with caterpillars. How to we treat and will the tree survive.Answer:I’m sorry to hear about your Pine Tree but it will survive. The best way to deal with caterpillars is to pick them off one by one and dispose of them. You should also look for small clusters ...
• Herbs - Question:I am shortly going to be planting a number of herbs in a terracotta planter. Can you tell me the best type of compost to use?Answer:You can plant herbs in an ordinary all purpose compost mixed with a quantity of sharp sand or gravel to aid drainage. Also add some crocks (broken up terracotta pots ...

I have a project to complete but no idea how to start. I have to clear an overgrown garden and long drive, it's at my home in Italy and I am a little worried about the cut grass and weeds in the sun after they are cut. Any advice would be more than welcome. I do have a strimmer and could use some tips on using that as well.

Answer:

This sounds like a big project. I have found an article on a good website which will take you through dealing with an overgrown garden step-by-step. I hope it helps. http://www.greenfingers.com/articledisplay.asp?id=320. As for using a strimmer; keep the string head about 2-3 ins off the ground and sweep the machine side to side in a steady motion parallel to the ground. When trimming tall weeds start at the top of the weeds so that the string cuts them into little pieces and don't get tangled around the head.

• Herbs - Question:I am shortly going to be planting a number of herbs in a terracotta planter. Can you tell me the best type of compost to use?Answer:You can plant herbs in an ordinary all purpose compost mixed with a quantity of sharp sand or gravel to aid drainage. Also add some crocks (broken up terracotta pots ...

One of our Pine Trees is infested with caterpillars. How to we treat and will the tree survive.

Answer:

I'm sorry to hear about your Pine Tree but it will survive. The best way to deal with caterpillars is to pick them off one by one and dispose of them. You should also look for small clusters of eggs on the underside of leaves; rub these off to stop them from hatching. Another natural control for caterpillars is an organism called Bacillus thuringiensis, which destroys the caterpillar from the inside. If this solution isn't practical, and you don't mind using chemicals, there are pesticides available to most DIY Stores and Garden Centres which will do the job.

• Ivy - Question:Can you tell me how to get rid of dead ivy that has stuck to brickwork and leaves a trail?Answer:First of all cut off the plant at the base to stop it re-shooting. If the ivy has grown into the cracks of the brinks you could end up pulling out parts of the wall as ...

I am shortly going to be planting a number of herbs in a terracotta planter. Can you tell me the best type of compost to use?

Answer:

You can plant herbs in an ordinary all purpose compost mixed with a quantity of sharp sand or gravel to aid drainage. Also add some crocks (broken up terracotta pots or pieces of polystyrene packaging) to the bottom of the pot to stop the roots sitting in water. Just a small note: if you want to plant mint you should keep it in a pot of its own as it tends to take over and smother other plants.

• Pine Trees - Question:One of our Pine Trees is infested with caterpillars. How to we treat and will the tree survive.Answer:I’m sorry to hear about your Pine Tree but it will survive. The best way to deal with caterpillars is to pick them off one by one and dispose of them. You should also look for small clusters ...
• Garden Clearance - Question:I have a project to complete but no idea how to start. I have to clear an overgrown garden and long drive, it’s at my home in Italy and I am a little worried about the cut grass and weeds in the sun after they are cut. Any advice would be more than welcome. I ...
• Ivy - Question:Can you tell me how to get rid of dead ivy that has stuck to brickwork and leaves a trail?Answer:First of all cut off the plant at the base to stop it re-shooting. If the ivy has grown into the cracks of the brinks you could end up pulling out parts of the wall as ...