Spritzhenry's Outbox

Hello again - having looked in books, I agree with maple. A little more info - avoid overwatering and keep above 50 fahrenheit in winter. Could be repotted in spring if necessary, as can any offshoots. In the USA where it's popular, it can reach ceiling height!!!! (PS thanks for lovely message - much appreciated)

Received wisdom is that Agapanthus flower better when their roots are resticted! I know that they resent being moved, and sulk, so repotting might be risky. My neighbour has some in an ancient stone trough, she has never split them and they've been there flowering happily for years! My own plants are all in the borders, so I'm only advising second-hand, so to speak... Sorry for rather an incomplete answer.

Indeed yes - 'Gardens are a lovesome thing, God wot'. I hope I didn't misquote too badly (lol) but seriously, just tidying up and preparing tubs and pots for spring does you a power of good! The only pot I cannot bear to deal with is full of beautiful full-flowering fuchsias. I have bulbs waiting for the first sign of frost, when I shall have to rescue them! Weeds still popping up everywhere due to recent mild weather.

Hi Wendy - glad you found us! I'll look though ref. books tomorrow for your plant - don't recognise it but will try!!!

It looks like a foxglove from the photo - could it be? If so, it will flower next year because they are biennials.

Thanks Peter, I'll do just that. I guess I'd better leave the shoots alone, unless anyone knows different???

Wow! I love this photo!

A much more subtle colour than the usual one! Have you got a lot of Nerines?

I have just read an article which recommends planting for year-round colour and interest. Here goes! Spring - Forsythia, Hellebores and Ajuga reptans. Summer - Philadelphus, blue Delphiniums and Hostas. Autumn - Cotinus coggygria, Perovskia and Ceratostigma willmottianum. Winter - Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn', Christmas rose and variegated Vinca minor. Of course these plants and shrubs will need some attention, and especially slug protection, but I think you would have a lovely garden if you went for these ideas. You can certainly plant up the shrubs now, and buy Hellebores in late winter (in flower) Most of rest might still be available now in Nurseries. Hope this has helped. Do let us know what you decide and how you get on!

That's me, Andrew!!!! (You weren't to know that I AM a she so I'll let you off) I just yell for help when I hit a lump of blue lias that I cannot lift, or when roots prove too deep for my fork, requiring his pickaxe!

Thanks - will try it and if no response it may have to be replaced ...:-( P.S. Does this mean that I should not prune it at all??

What variety of Clematis is it? They are greedy plants and it would enjoy a feed and some good compost round its roots.

Ha! Got him! Yes, I should think so...Search for more, I bet you find them. What you do wih them I shall not ask...

I've looked in my RHS pruning book, and it says prune your apple trees in winter by cutting out dead wood, congested and crossing branches and unproductive branches. You should apparently remove quite large sections of branches to open up the tree. Plum trees should be checked now for dead wood while the leaves are on. Otherwise, leave pruning until next summer to avoid your trees getting canker and/or silver leaf! Then you can remove branches again to open up the tree, and look for outward facing buds to cut back to. Warning for both types of tree, don't cut off too many branches at once (It says) Hope this helps.

Can you see any slime trails? Otherwise, could well be birds having a nibble! They are ruining my winter pansies and the damage looks similar. If it is, try old CDs strung on string between sticks - they are afraid of the shiny movement!

Hallo and welcome! We all have to start somewhere, we are all different, too. I'm always having to look things up and also to ask advice from people who take the time to answer my questions and try to solve problems! Keep reading and asking, it's welcomed and there's always someone who knows the answer..:-)

Does the border get lots of sun or is it in the shade? It's difficult to recommend plants without knowing! also, what type of soil do you have - sandy, clay, good loam etc. and how big a space have you? Helps to know.

Thanks maple - I'll keep in touch! Tell him that digging is good exercise and cheaper than going to the Gym!!!!! :-)

We really did have to train our Labrador to 'stay on the grass' with constant reminders and treats, because when he was younger he would take off across the flowerbeds after anything that moved e.g. birds, bees, flies, butterflies, the odd (wild) rabbit and next door's cat - and his ball if we threw that across a bed onto the grass...he didn't understand he had to go ROUND the flowerbed or DOWN the steps to retrieve it! (We soon learned only to throw balls on the grass!) He got the message eventually, and only disobeys when he decides to gallumph up and down the stream (then gets out up the bank)...Oh dear...Anyway, how old is your dog?

Yes - sorry Elhenry, having rechecked book, I agree with LittleLarford.It's a Schefflera! Advice on care remains the same. Shame it's gone leggy. Hope the drastic treatment works!