ASK DIARMUID

QI’M a pensioner and I would like your advice on what evergreen shrubs to grow at the back of my bungalow – to around 6ft in height. I’d like them to flower for some of the year.

ATeresa Brennan via email

THE ground at the base of a wall or house is usually very dry, so when planting, do so at least a foot away from the base to allow moisture from the roof to get to the roots and prepare the ground well before planting with compost and/or well-rotted manure to condition it.

A wall can provide really good heat and shelter. I don’t know which way your house is facing but if it’s sunny, an evergreen ceanothus could be good and you’d have those amazing blue flowers in spring.

Pyracantha is a shrub that trains well against a wall and has the benefit of flowers as well as wonderful orange or red berries in winter.

Garrya elliptica is another beautiful evergreen which has lovely silky tassels in winter and could make a feature against your house.