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 have a white cockade climbing rose. The flower buds open up stunted. Is this the work of the chafer beetle or any other pest? – Keith Galloway, Co. Durham.

A This looks to be the work of thrips – small insects that feed on developing buds – or, alternatively, a virus spread by aphids. Remove and destroy the affected flowers.

Cut out old fruited canes on raspberries

– new canes can take over for next year.

Q An imperial fritillary is growing well and every year produces more flowers. Should I lift and divide it or allow it to multiply on its own? – Mrs E. Jardin, Kendal.

A Imperial fritillaries resent disturbance, but if you dig around your clump you may find young bulbs that you can detach and grow on in a protected spot for a year.

Divide and replant early-flowering perennials, ensuring they don’t dry out.

Q Can you explain why my phalaenopsis orchid has failed to flower this year? I keep the plant alongside others in my sun porch but out of direct sunlight. What am I doing wrong? – Kenneth Bruce, Forfar.

A This is known as ‘bud blast’, commonly caused by over or under-watering. However, I suspect sharp fluctuations in temperature is the issue. Move it somewhere with a warm, steady temperature and it should improve.

If hardy geraniums are looking tired,

cut off faded foliage.

Q Pelargoniums have yellow leaves and are looking sickly. What can I do to perk them up? – Mrs Louise Wilson, via email.

A Remove the yellow leaves and feed your baskets and they may begin to perform better.

Weed alpine troughs and mulch with fresh gravel.

Q I planted a honeysuckle to grow up a trellis next to my front door, but so far it has failed to flourish. Should I remove it? – K. McWilliam, Auchterarder.

A The area at the base of a wall can be very dry, so dig up your honeysuckle, add lots of organic material to the soil, then replant it about 30cm out from the brick, leaning it in towards the trellis. Mulch the surface and keep it well-watered.

You can eat the flower stalks on garlic.

The stalks or ‘scapes’, are delicious, so don’t throw them on the compost heap.