GARDEN GURU

QMy photinia ‘Red Robin’ has grown very tall. How and when should I prune it?

Dave Sandys

A This lovely evergreen shrub can easily grow over 13ft but can be kept at 4ft to 5ft with pruning. Give the plant the snip any time in spring and summer. Remove some of the larger branches from within the shrub to ease congestion and then prune to size. Photinias respond well to really hard pruning, so don’t be afraid to get stuck in.

Q We’ve recently moved to a top-floor flat in a seaside town. We’d like to grow vegetables on our terrace but are bothered by seagulls and pigeons. How do we deter them?

Drina Vanner

A Some birds can be very determined, but my neighbours have had great success in keeping pigeons out by using mirrored deterrents – the random flash and movement scares them off. There are lots of different ones available from online suppliers, including those equipped with extra features to frighten them away, such as bells.

Q Is it possible to grow agapanthus from the black seeds collected from their seed heads? I’ve tried several times in the past, with no success.

Andrew Hawkins

A It certainly is possible.

Collect seeds in late autumn when they are just about to fall out of pods. Sow immediately in pots filled with gritty compost – a 50:50 mix of John Innes and sharp sand would be perfect. Cover with more compost and put in a cool spot – an unheated greenhouse, front porch or cold frame. The seedlings should be ready for separating and growing on individually within a year.