Garden Guru

Q

In spring, the new growth of our cherry laurel hedge always turns brown and crispy at the edges. What could be causing this? Henry Musgrave

A

My suspicion is that the sappy, young growth is being burnt by the wind, which means your garden occupies an exposed position or is possibly by the coast. In my experience, cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) hates the wind but will thrive in a sheltered, partially shaded spot. There’s not much you can really do, other than bite the bullet and replace it with a hedge that can deal with wind, such as elaeaganus, escallonia or Euonymus japonicus.

Q

Something has been eating my daffodil flowers, leaving them looking ragged. What could it be? Jane Farmer

A

There are a few pests that are partial to daffodil flowers, but the ragged blooms you describe points towards slugs or snails. Next year, protect emerging shoots with organic pellets.

Q

I read somewhere that oleander flowers are scented, but mine doesn’t have any scent at all. Is there something wrong with it? James Fletcher

A

No. Some oleander (Nerium oleander) flowers have a strong scent, while others are lightly fragrant. However, in my experience, the majority have no scent at all. So don’t worry, your plant is perfectly normal.