ASK DIARMUID

Q Have you any suggestions for a patch of garden that gets no sun and is badly drained? Michael, via email A

Sometimes instead of trying to correct poor soil conditions it’s a good idea to make a virtue of them. Plant them with species that not only tolerate the conditions but will actually thrive there. In your case, where it is both boggy and shady, I’d recommend a combination of ligularias, candelabra primulas, ferns and astilbes. Dogwood (cornus) is also an easy-to-grow shrub that will be happy in damp conditions and provides great winter interest with colourful stems.