HELEN YEMM THORNY PROBLEMS

This week: hummingbird hawkmoths, getting into a jam with secateurs and some ideas for a flowering mixed hedge

Only the lucky few, mostly in the south and east of the country, have enjoyed summer visitations from hummingbird hawkmoths. These day-flying, furry brown and orange moths bear, on first encounter, a startling resemblance to their tropical namesakes as they flit around borders, wings beating so fast they appear as a blur, hovering alongside each chosen flower just long enough to dip their long, slightly curved nectar-seeking proboscises into each before darting away.

Summer immigrants from southern Europe, these moths have gradually increased in the South and East but there have been sightings in the Midlands, too, and they are now presumed to be hibernating here in greenhouses. They have also found their way on to social media: Jack Wallington (eyes right, yes, that Jack Wallington) tweeted to his many followers asking which flowers had been the greatest hummingbird hawkmoth attractants last summer.

For those hoping to entice these creatures into their gardens, here is a list, compiled from Jack’s survey: Verbena (my own choice is Verbena bonariensis, its lofty stature affording a better photo), centranthus, honeysuckle, buddleia, lavender, lantana, salvia, mirabilis, lobelia, clerodendron and astrantia. Fingers crossed for another good summer.

When I’m pruning soft growth with my Felco secateurs, the blades jam and stems get caught between them. Would anvil-style secateurs be better? Also, can you suggest a brand with a wrist strap, or at least a hole in the handle to which one could be attached.

BILL HALKETT – VIA EMAIL

TIP OF THE WEEK

Secateurs usually jam because of a build-up of dried sap and general garden grot on the blades. A good clean, followed by a wipe with an oily rag, sorts the problem out. Presumably you have tried that.

Since you mention the make of your secateurs, it could be time for a thorough £25 service. Burton McCall (which only services Felcos, no other brand) will send them back looking “like new”, and with a replaced blade. Visit burton-mccall.co.uk/brand/ felco or call 0116 234 4600.

Addressing your other queries: Anvil secateurs are mainly recommended for use on dry, dead wood, since the cutting/crushing action of blade on the “anvil” can damage green stems. As for your

wrist-strap idea: I have for ages had a pair of Gardena secateurs (the handles are a bright shade of turquoise blue – thus impossible to lose). There is a hole in one of the handles intended for a strap. I checked online and Gardena still make some that are similar. Maybe it is time for you to acquire a “spare”.

Pounce on the best and fattest lily bulbs when they arrive in better garden centres shortly. Plant them straight away in the ground in trios or small groups 4in (10cm) down (with markers), or in heavy pots (for later stability) of John Innes no. 3 lightened with a little multipurpose or homemade compost.

COUNTRY LIVINGA hedge that grows berries is sure to bring in wildlife