The Garden Guru

Got a problem in your plot? Let our Garden Guru Martyn Cox help you out

QMy dad passed away recently and I have talked my mum into putting some of his ashes into a potted plant that I can take with me if I move house. What would look good and last for many years? Suzanne Nicholls

AEnglish roses, winter-hardy gardenias and dwarf Japanese cherries, such as Prunus incisa ‘Kojo No Mai’, would be good. Ashes can be harmful to plants, so ensure they are mixed well with compost.

QI’ve got a Mediterranean fan palm with lots of small offshoots at the base. Is it possible to remove them and pot them up? David Finch

AIn my experience the offshoots, or suckers, do not produce roots when they are young, if at all. If you want to give it a go, leave the offshoots until they are much bigger, and then dig down carefully to see if they are rooted. If you can’t see any roots, leave for longer. If you have any questions, email Martyn at info@martyncox.biz