GARDENERS' questions
Adrienne Wild offers advice on all your thorny horticultural issues
Q The soil next to my hedge is dry. Any thoughts as to what shrubs will thrive in it?
Ryan Jones, Solihull
A
Provided you prepare the soil well, digging in plenty of organic matter to hold onto moisture and nourish the plants, you could grow rhododendron and azaleas if the soil is acid, or hardy fuchsias, mahonia, euonymus, elaeagnus and aucuba. These will adapt to these
difficult conditions, provided they are watered well to help them establish. Plant at least 60cm away from the base of the hedge, and use the space between for building a maintenance path, using slabs or bark. Mulching the soil will also help to conserve moisture around the roots.
Q My lawn is bright-green and spongy, but it’s largely made up of moss. What can I do?
May Warbuoys, Ely
A
Moss is a sign that something is basically wrong with your lawn. It can be anything from compacted soil, water-logging or drought, lack of nutrients or too much shade, so before you attempt to eradicate the problem with moss-killing chemicals, attempt to rectify it by raking, scarifying and aerating – but not during frosts. In spring, treat with a weedand-feed preparation.
Q Is it necessary to stake a tree after planting?
Brian Towey, Durham
A
It’s a good idea, especially on exposed sites, as wind can snap the roots and lift the rootball out of the ground. For whippy trees with flexible stems, insert a vertical stake on the windward side, but, for sturdier-stemmed trees, it’s best to put a diagonal stake on the sheltered side.