GARDEN GURU

I’m hoping you can identify a tree Q in my neighbour’s garden. It looks like a stick in winter but is most attractive when in leaf.

Jean Williamson

The tree in the picture you sent me is A Aralia elata, sometimes called devil’s walking stick due to its knobby, spiny trunk. Native to parts of Asia and capable of growing to 16ft or more, it’s best suited to larger gardens as it does have a habit of sending up suckers when mature.

I have a number of roses in pots and Q in my garden that have become long and stringy. How can I make them more bushy?

Billy Burch

Pruning is the key to keeping roses A bushy. It’s best to prune between February and March, but as yours are a little on the leggy side, there’s no harm in tackling them now. Cut stems back by about a half, making sure you snip above an outward-facing bud. Ensure strong, healthy growth by watering regularly, especially during dry periods, and scattering rose fertiliser granules around plants.

Something that baffles me is when Q people describe the aspect of their garden as being north-facing, south-facing and so on. Doesn’t it depend on which side of the space you are standing?

Anne Bligh

Not really. The ‘aspect’ of a garden A refers to the direction it faces when you stand with your back against the wall of your house. If you don’t have a traditional compass to hand, look on your smartphone for a compass app.

Got a problem in your plot? Email Martyn Cox at info@martyncox.biz