Quick Qu estions
Can we overseed our drought-hit lawn with clover?
John Hughes, by email Clover is pre y much maintenance free. Being deeper rooting, it’s more drought resistant than turf grass and also fixes nitrogen so can thrive in soils of low fertility. Clover could be overseeded to an existing lawn in the autumn or spring rather than cultivating from scratch. Scarify the surface before hand.
How can I right a leaning lilac?
Ma Salisbury, Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire This is difficult. If a empted, dig a trench on the side from which the roots are lifting and winch the tree over to the vertical. Secure to a cross piece a ached to stout posts inserted either side of the trunk. This should be carried out over winter for deciduous, woody plants or during autumn or spring for evergreens. Water well during the following growing season. A simpler option is to cut main stems to 50cm (1½ft) in winter. Even elderly lilacs will reshoot from old wood in spring and usually make rapid vertical growth. Flowering will be delayed for three or four years.
Where can I obtain ceanothus ‘Cascade’?
Mr D. Ashberry, Bedale, North Yorkshire Ceanothus ‘Cascade’ is an impressive, large, vigorous evergreen shrub with arching branches bearing glossy leaves for a southfacing, sheltered wall. The flowers are a clear, light blue borne in long, narrow clusters 8cm (3in) in length. The RHS Plant Finder is available online to track down plants. Four mail order suppliers are listed. Try Spring Reach Nursery (tel: 01483 284769).