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Peter Gibbs, Bunny Guinness, Matthew Wilson and Anne Swithinbank on stage in Dartmouth.

Q. Which one plant would the panel take with them when moving to a new house?

A. Bunny – I would take an Oak tree rather than a shrub. It would be the semi evergreen Quercus hispanica Fulhamensis.

Anne – I would only take my pots and containers with me, rather than trying to transport plants from the ground.

Matthew – I think it is unethical to take too much from the garden. I would take cuttings. However, a large leafed perennial Geranium psilostemon has moved with me several times and produces lovely magenta flowers with an almost black centre.  

Q. I have a white, doubled flowered Camellia that has performed well for the past fifteen years. However, over the past couple of years it has stopped flowering.  What has gone wrong?

A. Anne – It sounds as though it is in need of some extra care. They often outgrow their pot. You can top dress or trim the roots. Remember that the outside of the container can get very warm, so don’t keep it in direct sunlight. It may be getting too much water. Without enough feed the leaves will turn yellow. Try using an ericaceous fertiliser and a liquid feed.

Q. What would the panel suggest growing in a typical Dartmouth garden? We have steep terraces, either east or north facing and very exposed to the wind.

A. Bunny – The key is getting enough water to your plants. Add a grid of netting to keep the soil in place. You are best using plug plants. Try ferns such as Polystichum setiferum. The Brachyglottis rotundifolia could do quite well. Plant lots of wildflowers such as Primulas and Cowslips. Choose plants that will self-seed. 

Matthew – Look for native, shade-loving plants. Try grasses such as Deschampsia. In damper places try Uncinia rubra with its bronze foliage. You could plant Digitalis lutea or Digitalis grandiflora. Try lots of bulbs.

Q. I have been told that Pulmonaria should not be planted with spring bulbs. Is this the case?

A. Matthew – I have never heard of this and often combine the two. Pulmonaria come in many colours. My favourites are Blue Ensign and Mawson’s Blue. Try planting them with a soft yellow Narcissus jonquilla.

Q. Is it ok to remove the tattered old foliage as the new shoots come through on my Hellebore?

A. Matthew - Yes. Removing the leaves helps the health and cleanliness of the plant. You also want to be able to see the flowers at their best. Watch out for mice as they often eat the buds during cold weather. Be careful not to snip off the new buds.

Q. I like to grow useful plants, whereas my wife has a more artistic approach to the garden. What could we do to reconcile our contradictory styles of gardening?

A. Bunny – You could try a parterre design, mixing structures such as pyramids of tomatoes and clipped Olives.

Anne – You could try a cultivated form of forest gardening with layers of planting. Mix fruit cordons, shrubs such as White Currant, and lots of herbs. Leave small clearings for your changing crops.

Q. I have removed a large clump of Nerine bowdenii. Can they be replanted elsewhere?

A. Anne – They grow from a bulb and produce a naked stem of pink flowers. They prefer a south-facing wall with well-drained soil. At this time of year they will be producing new leaves. It is fine to move them but it may be three years before they flower again.