Q We get extremes of weather on top of the Pennines. Which shrubs should we try here?
Josie, by email
AHUMAIRA SAYS Ooh, this is a great question and I’m going to go back to all of those 1970s favourites that may not be as fashionable as they used to be. It’s not a plant’s fault that it has been overused. That usually means that it is a great plant and doesn’t get affected by much and, therefore, is a good doer.
So I will start with one of my favourites: a forsythia. I know people find these a little garish, but they are garish in February when everything else is grey so I love them. They are hardy and can also deal with exposed positions. I like Forsythia x intermedia ‘Lynwood Variety’ and it has an Award of Garden Merit, so the RHS agrees with me.
Always bring your scheme together using a punctuation of trimmed yew, beech or hornbeam. They are all hardy and will be able to withstand your conditions.