Welcome to my potting shed! This is the column where I’ll share all my gardening hints and tips – and I’ll try to answer any queries you may have.

Q I have very large Skimmia japonica that has outgrown its position. Can I move it or should I prune it? – Heather Clark, Renfrew.

A Skimmias don’t respond well to pruning but you could move it and the best time to do that is now. Water well then wait 24 hours before digging out the rootball and lifting. Once in its new home, water it thoroughly.

Give evergreen hedges a final trim as cutting late in the year could result in frost damage.

Q I’ve seen an ice plant with very dark leaves. What is it? – Hayley Phillips, Kirkliston.

A Sedum spectabile ‘Matrona’ has foliage infused with dark red, but the best of the bunch is ‘Purple Emperor’, tall and robust with very dark leaves and deep-coloured flowers.

For late season colour, Aster amellus ‘Veilchenkonigin’, a deep amethyst shade, will flower to the end of October.

Q When should I cut lavender plants to stop them going woody? – David Dawson.

A Trim immediately after flowering but in cold areas wait until late winter as the old stems provide protection against frost. However, don’t cut into old wood as the lavender could fail to recover.

Soft foliage should be added to the compost heap as it dies back, but stout stalks and stems give winter structure and sanctuary for wildlife if left.

Q I’ve got a patch of shady ground beneath some trees where nothing I’ve tried will grow. – Phil Simpson, Carnoustie.

A Tiny cyclamens should cope, aquilegias and epimediums will flower in spring and some hardy geraniums will also thrive. Under trees the ground is dry and depleted of nutrients, so prepare the soil before planting with plenty of compost and mulch regularly with leafmould.

On a steep slope, cover the ground by growing honeysuckle and clematis and peg down. These give beautiful groundcover.

Q Why can’t I persuade nerines to grow in my garden? – Mrs Jenny Morrison, Alyth.

A Nerines need a sunny, sheltered spot and well-drained soil. Yours may be falling victim to slugs, rotting in damp soil or frost. Improve the soil with lots of grit and give the bulbs a deep mulch of compost after they have flowered.

Order bare root roses to plant during the dormant season. These are cheaper than roses in pots and come in a wider choice of varieties.