Welcome to my potting shed! This is the column where I’ll share all my gardening hints and tips – and I’ll try to answer any queries you may have.
Q I recently planted a Sambucus nigra ‘Black Lace’ expecting deep-coloured foliage, but the leaves are pretty insipid. Can I feed it with anything that will make the foliage turn almost black again? – Ray Harrison, by email.
A
These handsome shrubs need as much sun as possible in order to produce the deepest concentration of colour, so move somewhere brighter and it should recover.
Hebes make useful plants for seaside locations, tolerating salty winds and high levels of sunshine.
Q
We have a bush that produces the biggest, sweetest brambles. We are planning to move home next year and want to take a cutting. What’s the best way to do this? – Fiona MacPherson, Inverness.
A
Brambles spread by rooting where their branches touch the ground so search around the bush until you find some branches that have already done this. Sever these from the main stem and pot them up.
Top up water in ponds where the levels are dropping using water from butts rather from taps if possible.
Q
I have potted up some hellebores which self-seeded in spring. When can I plant them out in the garden? – Lorna Forrester, Bathgate.
A
Move the young plants into slightly larger pots when necessary and keep them somewhere cool and protected before planting them out next spring. Keep your lawn looking smart by clipping around the edges with shears.
Q
I’ve got a shady spot under a group of lilac trees. I’ve tried to establish many plants here but have always failed. Is there something that I can grow that will cover the soil? – Eileen Kyle, Monifieth.
A
Euphorbia amygdaloides var. robbiae is ideal for this sort of situation, producing acid green flowers in spring. You might also get lucky with Japanese anemones. Cut out old fruited canes on raspberries.
Q
I’ve grown potatoes this year. According to the label they were ‘second earlies’. How do I know when they are ready to harvest? – Jilly Collins, Edinburgh.
A
They should be ready now, but you can find out by digging down and unearthing a few tubers. If they are a good size then dig them up now, if not cover them again and wait a week or two before harvesting.
Peg down stems of pinks and carnations to stimulate root growth and create new plants.