GARDEN GURU

QI have a problem with ground elder around my cottage. I have turned the soil to pick out roots and have used weedkiller, but nothing seems to work. Can you help? Ian Davies

ARemoving ground elder is difficult. Every last bit of root has to be removed, as the weed can regenerate from the tiniest bit left behind. I would suggest spraying with weedkiller in midsummer, when there is lots of growth, and then covering the ground with black polythene. This will need to remain in place for several seasons.

QAn unusual plant has just appeared in our garden. Can you identify it? Jan Duggan

AThe photo you emailed shows a hellebore seedling, possibly Helleborus foetidus. This native plant is highly architectural, with deeply divided leaves and bell-shaped green flowers on 3ft stems in winter. It likes damp soil and dappled shade, such as a spot under a tree or shrub.

QI’ve grown English roses for several years. No matter how I prune or feed them, they remain weak and leggy. Why? Derek Jacques

ARoses tend to grow leggy if they are in shade, so make sure yours are in a sunny place with fertile, moist but welldrained soil. To get the best from your roses, prune them in late winter, reducing stems by a third to retain an attractive shape. Feed plants at the beginning of the growing season, and again at the end of July with a specialist rose fertiliser.