GARDEN GURU

Q Would a large olive tree do well in a container, or is it better planted in the ground? Ian Swell

A Venerable olive trees are A perfect in large containers filled with John Innes No 3, with a little extra horticultural grit to boost drainage. Water regularly and feed monthly from early spring to mid-August. And every spring, remove an inch of compost from the surface and replace with fresh material.

Q I would like to plant some Q annuals in an empty bed. The soil is clay and the plants need to grow to about 3ft. What do you suggest? John Humphrey

A You don’t mention the A aspect of your garden, so I’ll assume it’s well lit. Cleome hassleriana ‘Sparkler Rose’, Nicotiana ‘Lime Green’ and Cosmos bipinnatus ‘Double Click Snow Puff’ are annuals that will grow to around your required height. As for shrubs, consider Berberis thunbergii ‘Maria’.

Q I have two wisteria Q seedlings growing in the same pot. Do you think I should I separate them? Ann Williams

A If you want two plants, then separate the seedlings, growing each one in 3in-4in pots. Support with pea sticks, progressing to bamboo canes as they grow. Please be aware that it can take 20 years for a wisteria grown from seed to bloom.