Autumn can be a lovely time of year but the work involved in clearing up all the dropped leaves can be a chore each year. However, there is a benefit to be had - they make a fabulous free source of organic matter. Leafmould is ideal for use as a soil improver, mulch or potting compost. Here's what … [Read more...]
Flowers for Young Children
3 August 2009 By Leave a Comment
Question: I am planning to make miniature gardens with young children and would like to use petunias ans Impatiens (bizzie-lizzie). I just wanted to make sure that neither of these plants is poisonous. Answer: Petunias and Impatiens are not on the poisonous plants list. However, if eaten most … [Read more...]
Cutting back Carnations
16 July 2009 By Leave a Comment
Question: Last year I sent for some carnation plug plants which I duly planted in the garden, last year they increased in size but only one plant flowered. They over-wintered well and have produced masses of blooms this summer. I neglected to stake them and they now look awful, can I cut them back … [Read more...]
Photinia Robina Wilt Problem
13 July 2009 By Leave a Comment
Question: I have Photinia Robina in a pot. It is about 8 years old and has always done well. Last year having masses of flowers etc. However, this year the new growth has been dying back. Initially have a wilt and then dropping leaves. The older part of the plant is shiny and healthy. We … [Read more...]
Blueberry Problems
6 July 2009 By Leave a Comment
Question: We have two blueberry bushes about 3 yrs old which we moved from pots into garden last year. They are in fruit but all the leaves have been eaten? On odd remaining ones there is what looks like a yellow mildew.Can you advise if fruit once ripened is fit to eat and also what the problem … [Read more...]
Moving Monkey Puzzle Tree
2 July 2009 By Leave a Comment
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
2 July 2009 By Leave a Comment
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
2 July 2009 By Leave a Comment
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 February 2008
2 July 2009 By Leave a Comment
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...]
