Bold Birds Are The Last Straw

Jan 27 2008 Carolyn Spray

Your Garden

Q The birds got more of my strawberries last year than I did. How can I keep them away?

A Stretch fruit cage netting over canes to make a 3ft-tall cage.

Put jam jars over the canes to stop the net slipping off. Hold the edges down with bricks, lengths of wood or pegs

Q I want to plant a special tree as a focal point from my living room window. Any ideas?

A If you like a fancy bark, the Prunus Serrula has a gorgeous shiny brown stem and white blossom in spring.

The weeping pear Pyrus Salicifolia has lovely silver leaves on pendulous branches. For a sheltered spot, a magnolia or acer would make a real statement.

Q My lawn is scruffy round the edge. I cut it with edging shears but is there an easier way?

A Lay a mowing edge of bricks set in a cement base. You can then mow over the top.

Q When should I feed my lawn and what is the best fertiliser?

A I would begin feeding in spring with a high nitrogen feed to stimulate growth. A slowrelease type is great because it lasts the whole season. I also recommend an autumn feed.

Q How can I reduce weeding in my herbaceous border?

A Mulch, mulch, mulch! Either with well-rotted compost or manure because this keeps the weeds down and enriches the soil. Now is the time to do it before the weeds take hold.

Q My daughter has moved into her first house with a garden. What tools could I buy her to start her off?

A spade and fork - for digging, the larger type, and for the border, slightly smaller. A hand fork and trowel are useful for weeding and planting bulbs and bedding. A hoe for weeding and a rake for levelling and clearing are a must. And a pair of secateurs for pruning are always handy to have around.

Q I have a really dry but sunny border under the eaves of my house. What plants will grow there?

A Plants with silver foliage, narrow small leaves or spiky leaves tend to tolerate dry soil better. I love lavender, cistus, thyme and rosemary.

Q I want to grow climbing plants over a pergola I have built. What has a nice perfume that would carry around the garden?

A Honeysuckle is popular but clematis Montana Elizabeth has a lovely perfume as does jasmin. If it's a sheltered site, try trachelospermum.

Q I love bamboo but I believe they can spread too much. What could I do to prevent this?

A Wrap strong barrier material round the roots when you plant to contain the root growth. You could also plant the bamboo in a large pot and sink that into the soil.

Not all varieties are invasive - check when you buy.