大象传媒

Eric Robson hosts the horticultural panel programme in front of an audience of 150 young gardeners during London's Landscape Show. James Wong, Pippa Greenwood and Matthew Wilson answer the questions.

Produced by Howard Shannon
Assistant Producer: Darby Dorras

A Somethin' Else production for 大象传媒 Radio 4

This week's questions and answers:
Q. How can alpine plants be better incorporated in gardens with diverse planting?

A. Shallow troughs, dry-stone walls and living walls can be used to show off alpine plants.

Q. What is the best way to look after an Amaryllis plant so that it flowers again the following year?

A. Let it dry out in the winter to allow it to go into dormancy. Make sure it's in a cool, brightly lit place. Give it a high-potash feed when the flowers start to die.

Q. Why is it that you sometimes see pink Hydrangeas growing alongside blue ones when the colour is down to soil PH?

A. This might be due to mortar or chalk beneath the soil creating small patches of soil with different PH levels.

Q. Is it possible to micro-propagate ferns using the tissue from the fronds?

A. Technically yes, but it's not something that people usually do, perhaps because it's not financially viable. Have a go!

Q. What plants would you recommend for a north-facing steep slope with rich soil?

A. Hellebores, Camellias, Drimys winteri, Sarcococca (Christmas Box) and autumn-flowering Cyclamen.

Q. My Indian Bean tree is getting too big. When can I trim it and by how much?

A. You could pollard the tree. Prune it, but not too hard. Reduce the size over the period of two to three years as to keep its shape. Next time, why not plant Paulownia Tomentosa (Foxglove tree)?

Q. The Myrtle hedges I put in look like they're dying. Should I take them out?

A. This might be due to bad drainage. Lift one of the sickly plants and inspect the roots to check if they are soggy.

Q. Which herbs, veg and fruits would the panel recommend for growing in containers?

A. Strawberries, salads, Chives, edible flowers, Runner Beans, Sweet Peas, Radishes and Miracle Berries.

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