大象传媒

Eric Robson and the team visit Tiverton, Devon. Matt Biggs, Pippa Greenwood and Anne Swithinbank take questions from a local audience.

Produced by Victoria Shepherd.
Assistant Producer: Darby Dorras
A Somethin' Else production for 大象传媒 Radio 4

NB:

Please be aware that the Hottentot fig is listed as an invasive species under Schedule 9 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 with respect to England, Wales and Scotland. As such, it is an offence to plant or otherwise cause this species to grow in the wild.

This week's questions and answers:
Q: I have two clumps of Lupins planted about 60 yards (about 54 metres) apart. One is covered in aphids, the other is aphid free, why might this be? Does the panel have any tips to avoid aphids?

A: Different aphids have different preferences and the Lupins might be at different stages of growth. To avoid aphids next year, put strips of tin foil on the flower bed adjacent to the affected plants. The light reflected off the tin foil confuses the aphids and they are deterred from settling on the plant.

Q. I'm building up a rockery, can you recommend local and exotic plants that will grow around the rocks?

A. Local varieties include dwarf alpine varieties, like the Silene maritima, with pretty Campion-like flowers. You could also try Campanula portenschlagiana, Aubretias and Louisias.
A more exotic plant that would grow well would be the Carpobrotus (Hottentot Fig). Lithodora 'Heavenly Blue' would do well, as would Rock Roses,Sempervivums and Daphne Blagayana. You could also try cushion plants such as Saxifraga 'Tumbling Waters'.

Q. The leaves of my Skimmia japonica rubella have yellowed. What has happened?

A. This is a classic symptom of wet weather and clay soil. To treat the plant, use foliar feed. Mix epsom salts with water and a dash of washing-up liquid and pour this mixture over the leaves. This will help stimulate chloroplast production - returning the leaves to a healthier green colour. However, do be prepared for a bit of die back.

Q. Can the panel recommend perennials that I can leave in the ground?

A. Japanese Anemones, Sedums and Irises can be left in the ground. Other good options include
Gillenia trifoliata, Dicentras, Spectabilis,Thalictrums and Crocosmias.

Q. I have a 6ft (1.8 metre) high, north-facing drystone wall. Can the panel suggest some plants to enhance its appearance?

A. Japanese Quince, Chaenomeles speciosa nivalis, Actinidia kolomikta, climbing Hydrangea or Hydrangea Seemanii could be grown up the wall. You might like to try nestling plants in between the stones. Ivy-leaved Toadflax and ferns would work well. Gooseberry bushes do well in the shade if you wanted to grow fruit.

Q. Hail stones have gone through the leaves in my garden. The holes have now browned and they look bad. Will cutting off the leaves stimulate fresh leaf growth?

A. No. The plant will suffer if you remove most of the leaves. Just remove the leaves that look like they might have a secondary infection such as grey mould. You could do a little gentle pruning to tidy up and encourage stem growth.

Q. I have a confusion of raspberries on my allotment and I'm not sure which are summer fruiting and which are autumn fruiting. Hence, my pruning has been random. None of the plants are particularly fruitful. Should I start again?

A. Yes. Choose a new sight and build up a mound of soil before planting. Stick to autumn fruiting varieties as they tend to better in clay soil.

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