GARDEN GURU

QI wonder if you could identify a plant that appeared in my garden last year? It had large, jagged leaves and tubular white flowers that turned into chestnut-like burrs. Ken Short

AThe plant in your photo is Datura stramonium, a plant native to Central America first recorded growing wild here in 1777. It’s related to deadly nightshade and is also poisonous. The chances are it shed seeds in the autumn, so expect more seedlings to pop up. If you don’t want them, tug up and place on the compost heap.

Q

Would supermarket potatoes grow if I planted them in pots?

A

Tammi Beckett

They would probably grow once they’ve been chitted – forced to produce sprouts – but supermarket potatoes are unlikely to be as vigorous as seed potatoes and you’re likely to end up with a disappointing crop.

Q

I’d like to plant a small, weeping tree next to my pond. What do you suggest? Karen Beal

A

There are several trees to consider. Cercis canadensis Ruby Falls will grow to about

6ft in 20 years and has heartshaped purple foliage, while Kilmarnock willow (Salix caprea Pendula) grows to roughly the same height and has pendulous branches clothed with pretty catkins in spring.

Another winner is Prunus Frilly Frock, an ornamental cherry that produces white flowers in early spring.