Flowers: Q&A

Jun 29 2008 Carolyn Spray

Gardening

QI would like to plant a border with bedding plants at the front of my house but it is south-facing and gets hot and dry. Which varieties will tolerate heat?

APetunias, gazanias, Livingston daises and cosmos thrive in hot, dry sites

Water them in well after planting and, if there is a prolonged dry spell, feed occasionally with a liquid feed.

QI have small box hedge.

How often should I clip it and when is the best time?

ALate spring, once the frosts are past, is the best time but clip on a dull day to prevent cut edges scorching in the sun. You could also do a tidy-up at the start of autumn.

QIs there anything edible I can grow in a hanging basket?

ATumbling tomatoes or strawberries are attractive. Herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary and chives do well in baskets too. Salad leaves look pretty and you just pick a leaves whenever you need them.

QI had topsoil delivered which appears to have Japanese knotweed in it.

How do I kill it?

AKeep cutting it back and use a flame gun to weaken the weeds. When you see weed seedlings or a new clump forming, tackle them again when they are young.

QI would like to make my garden full of colour all year round but I am not sure what plants to choose.

AYou need different types of plants for each season - bulbs to flower in the spring and perhaps flowering cherry trees, herbaceous plants and bedding for the summer.

Choose shrubs with autumn foliage and evergreens and trees or shrubs with colourful stems for winter interest.