大象传媒

Eric Robson chairs the panel programme from Chester. Joining him to answer audience questions are Matt Biggs, Anne Swithinbank and Christine Walkden.

Produced by Howard Shannon.
Assistant Producer: Darby Dorras.

A Somethin' Else Production for 大象传媒 Radio 4.

This programme features the Woodland Trust's 'Nature's Calendar' volunteering scheme. To find out more, visit their website

www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/learn/recording-trees-and-nature/natures-calendar/natures-calendar/

1.Q. Could the panel recommend some plants or shrubs that could be cut for long-lasting indoor display?

A. Pinus Mugo, Phormium, Penstemon, Cornflowers, Cotinus Grace (Smoke Bush), Pittosporum, Mexican Sunflowers, Lilies, Daffodils, Antirrinum, Molucella, Zinnias, Hesperanthas, Allium (Globemaster), Alstroemeria and Zantedeschia (Arum Lily) will all work well but the secret is really in the technique. Try to cut the plants early in the morning and as soon as you have cut the plants put them in a bucket filled with very cold water and let them soak for several hours (alternatively, put them in the fridge for a couple of hours) then trim the stems diagonally, bunch and put them in a vase. You could also put ice cubes in the water and change the water regularly. Place the vase where it will get bright but not scorching sunshine and the flowers will last longer.

2. Q. My four-year-old Cox tree suffers every year from dieback on the shoots and also has very mottled, brown leaves. What is wrong?

A. The Cox is prone to disease so if you like the flavor of the apple try growing Red Devil or Ribston Pippin instead.

3. Q. Is it safe to grow Fig trees close the foundations of a house?

A. If you grow a Fig tree near the foundations of a house you could line the growing pit with paving flagstones to restrict the growth. Also prune the tree regularly.

4.Q. What would be the best way to move my eighteen-year-old, four-foot (1.2 Metre) high hybrid Tea Rose to my new garden around the corner?

A. It won't like being moved so take cuttings instead. But if you do want to move it, cut it right back and try moving it in the autumn or winter.

5. Q. Our patio Cherry Tree (Dwarf Prunus Avium) has produced lots of foliage but no flowers or fruit.

A. It could be being baked or waterlogged in the winter. It might also be due to the soil composition. In the future when planting in containers, try mixing a John Innes number two with the same quantity of a general multi purpose. Use a slow-release fertiliser once a year in the spring. Give the tree a bit more time because it's still young.

6. Q. Could the panel suggest flowers that would appeal to the senses?

A. Sensitive Plant, Pulsatillas, Lambs' Ears, Peonies, Lemon Balm and Mint, Pennisetums, Agastache, Thyme, Dill, Fennel, Bamboos and Fuschias, Platycodon Grandiflorus (Balloon Flowers).

7. Q. How can we get rid of the many Poplar saplings that are appearing in our garden? They are growing up from the roots of a tree that was cut down from the railway embankment near our house.

A. You'll continue to get regrowth so ask the railway to treat the tree stump with herbicide. You can also treat the cut surface of the suckers with brushwood killer.

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