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Q. Could the panel make some suggestions for planting in a school playground? The primary school children are often tempted to pull off the leaves and shoots. 

A. Christine – Try some sticky plants that will ward the children off touching them. You could try the opposite approach and use something very tactile such as the soft leaved Pulsatilla vulgaris or the Lamb’s ears. 

Pippa – It might be worth explaining why the plants need leaves and the children could be in charge of the replanting so that they have a sense of ownership. 

Q. How can I grow Nerine bulbs successfully?

A. Chris – There are two principle varieties: Nerine bowdenii with pink trumpets on a stout stem and Nerine sarniensis with its much finer structure and with flowers like firecrackers. Bowdennii works well in a gravel bed. The ideal situation is a warm, south-facing wall with light friable soils. Plant the bulbs so that the neck is just below ground level. Try and keep the bed free from other plants other than light canopy annuals. Try some potash feed but don’t use a nitrogen fertiliser. 

Q.  Could you recommend some plants for a spring garden?

A. Christine – Try some specialist bulbs such as Iris reticulata, Iris histeroides or Iris danfordiae. Planting them deep and adding bone meal will encourage repeat flowering. Also try Cyclamen hederifolium, Cyclamen coum. Chionodoxas and the Scillas. 

Chris – Gladiolus italicus is a fine leaved plant with magenta colour flowers. It is worth growing as a pot specimen or in an herbaceous meadow. Cistus oblongifolius has a long leaf with a clear white flower. 

Pippa – Narcissus February Gold will flower from the back end of September right through until early spring. Hellebores are also a great option. 

Q. I have a problem growing beetroot on clay soil that is improved with grit, sand and compost. Can you help? 

A. Christine - There is possibly too much nitrogen in the soil. Try growing it in more impoverished conditions. 

Pippa – It might benefit from a high phosphate feed.