East Sussex,
United Kingdom 
We have lost several large well established shrubs this spring ( 2 photinias, forsythia, robinia, hebe, winter viburnum, fatsia and others.) They had all been in over 5 years or more and were in different parts of a large garden. we are on the edge of the Pevensey Levels (East Sussex) with clay subsoil. Last summer was very dry followed by more snow than usual. Most of these shrub started out ok this year, the viburnum bodnantense flowered, the forsythia did too but not very well. Has this been a problem with other people this year or are we very unlucky. There must have been 12 or 13 casualities which will cost well over a hundred pounds to replace.
Any advice would be much appreciated
3 Jul, 2010
Answers
It was exceptionally cold - even in my relatively mild area, I had casualties. The east wind didn't help, either. I've had to replace several shrubs and plants...using it as a planting opportunity rather than thinking of it as a tragedy. I think it's wise to look at the hardiness and position of any new plants from now on, as I agree, it's expensive replacing any more tender or vulnerable ones.
3 Jul, 2010
I'm slightly concerned there might be something else going on - Forsythia is as tough as old boots, and I certainly wouldn't expect it to have given up the ghost just because of a harsher winter than we've had for some years. Also the quantity of plants you've lost - are you aware of any trouble with honey fungus in your garden? And are there shrubs which did survive the winter and are healthy now, and if so, what are they?
4 Jul, 2010
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Probably the hard winter!!
3 Jul, 2010