WHAT TO GROW

LIZ POTTER Editor, Garden Answers Fruit-bearing ornamental cherries are an attractive source of early blossom for pollinators and summer fruit for birds. When planting one, add in plenty of organic matter to the planting hole and water well. Add a stake at 45° to prevent any wind from rocking the plant and making the roots loose. Try to keep the lawn from encroaching on the trunk – it will compete for moisture while the young tree is getting established. You will have mulched the tree with well-rotted organic matter in late winter (February) and fed with a general fertiliser. Keep trees well watered while they’re establishing and protect the flowers from frost using a large sheet of horticultural fleece. You may not see fruit until the tree is about two to four years old.