Tomatoes and Olives

Question: How do I nurture a tumbling tomatoe plant that we have hanging in a basket? How do I ensure a good crop? There are very small green baby tomatoes at present. Does it need repotting as it looks a bit big now for the basket I bought the most gorgeous olive tree a couple of months ago. Its … [Read more...]

Moving Monkey Puzzle Tree

Question: We have planted a monkey puzzle tree from a container it did not have very big roots but looked very healthy a couple of the bottom branches are dying but the rest looks ok can you give me any advice on growing and feeding my tree as I would hate to lose it. Answer: All trees and shrubs … [Read more...]

Leylandii Hedge

Question: I have just moved into a new house and there is a 20 foot high leylandii hedge down one whole side of the garden.  The bottom is a bit sparse, and I really want to plant a border in front of it.  Can you please give me any advice about what plants would survive? Answer: Leylandii are a … [Read more...]

Questions for April 2008

Question I am not sure if you can help but I am looking to buy some coprosma evening glow or/and coprosma fire burst so far I have had little luck I have tried googling it but very poor results none of my local garden centres stock it I bought some last year from a local market and would like to get … [Read more...]

Questions for March 2008

Question I bought a Grevillea plant today the guy at the garden centre just said it grows to about 3 feet and flowers until June I have since found there are many types mine has pink and black flowers on pine like branches what is the general rule of where to plant type of soil etc any tips welcomed … [Read more...]

Questions for February 2008

Question I have a Xylosteum (fly honeysuckle) growing in my garden. Please could you tell me if the red berries growing in the winter are poisonous? I have several young children and am concerned for their welfare. Answer The berries on the fly honeysuckle are mildly poisonous so I wouldn't > … [Read more...]

Questions for January 2008

Question HI, I need some advice please on what to do with an old veggie patch in my backyard. The previous owner maintained a veggie patch, taking up about one-third of the yard.  It is no longer maintained as a veggie patch and if I could afford it I would makeover the whole backyard.  That area … [Read more...]

Questions for December 2007

Question: I recently bought two holly trees one was a standard ilex with plenty berries the other I was told was a female has well but has a couple of berries on it so I assume that must be female has well I have been told I need a male nearby has I have not seen any in my area I am a bit confused … [Read more...]

Questions for November 2007

Question: I live in a very mossy area and found last year that my 30 year old very productive asparagus bed was completely covered in moss. I raked off as much as was possible but this year it has unsurprisingly returned. I have again raked off but clearly shall be left with no soil if I continue in … [Read more...]