GARDEN GURU

Q

I found an attractive plant in the woods where I walk my dogs. It has pink flowers and orange seeds. Is it poisonous? Walter Shird

A

The plant in the photo you emailed to me is Euonymus europaeus, a native tree that is commonly known as spindle. It has dark green, oval leaves that turn reddish purple in autumn and pink fruit that crack open to reveal glowing orange seeds.

These can be toxic to dogs, so make sure they don’t eat any.

Q

We have a 20-year-old monkey puzzle tree. Some lower branches are turning brown and there is brown resin on the trunk. What’s wrong? Sue Green

A

Monkey puzzle trees will naturally lose some lower branches once they hit maturity. However, the presence of resin suggests that the tree might have bacterial canker. Unfortunately there are no chemical cures. You will have to remove the lower branches but to prevent the spread of the disease make sure you disinfect cutting tools with Jeyes Fluid.

These trees like moist, welldrained soil and are more prone to problems during drought. Ensure the tree is watered during dry periods.

Q

We have a problem with the water butts in our communal garden. When they become full, water overflows and we are worried that it will eventually damage the foundations of our property. Can we remedy the situation? Irving Headley

A

It sounds as if your butt is attached directly to the downpipe. It is far better to connect via a rain water diverter. This will allow the butt to fill, but when capacity is reached the excess is directed back to the downpipe to drain away. It is also possible to link several butts together, (waterbuttsdirect.co.uk).