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 didn’t cut back my lavender in August. Should I do it now? – Lesley Orr, Callander.
A
Doing it now would expose the heart of the plant to frost. It would be better to wait until growth starts in spring and avoid cutting into brown wood.
Use an edging iron to create a sharp finish to lawns. This will keep them looking good all winter.
Q
I’m just back from Sutherland where I saw elm trees unaffected by Dutch elm disease. Are there any disease-resistant varieties available to gardeners? – Mike Watkins, Bishopton.
A
Considerable research has gone into developing disease-resistant elms and stock is now available from specialist tree nurseries. The trees come with a 10-year guarantee that they will not succumb to Dutch elm disease.
On days when there’s a hard frost, put
out water for birds.
Q
How do I treat my amaryllis bulbs once the flowers are over? – Janice Greig, by email.
A
Cut the flower stem at 2.5cm from the bulb and water and feed regularly. Stop feeding and reduce watering in late September and keep the bulbs cool for eight weeks. Then cut off the old leaves, replace some of the compost and water and keep warm again and new flower spikes will appear.
Anthuriums can dry out quickly in warm
homes, so stand them on trays of wet gravel to keep them moist.
Q
What’s the black fungus-like plant that is taking over my lawn? – D. Wright, Lanark.
A
This is a form of lichen – a cross between a plant and a fungus – that thrives in compacted soil. Lichens are hard to treat but aerating the grass, slicing out affected areas, filling the gaps with fresh topsoil and reseeding them may help.
Polish the leaves of houseplants to
remove dust and allow them to receive more light.
Q
Can I do anything to improve an overgrown spirea? – Mrs L. Farquhar, Insch.
A
If it’s a spring-flowering variety then wait until the flowers have all gone, then cut it back. Summer-flowering varieties can be pruned now.
When working among flowerbeds, take
care not to stand on tips of bulbs which will soon emerge through the soil.