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Thank you JWK & Trunky....I'm glad I asked now. Space is at a premium in my garden and there really isn't room for a thug, I think I'll put it in the ground. As I understand it my soil is pretty neutral and the spot when I'd like it to go is part shade and the soil moist but doesn't get...

Hello BeeHappy!Many thanks for your message and advise regarding the coreopsis (and apologies for the late reply!). As you suggested, I'm going to cut back half of the plants this weekend - it seems that we have some warmer weather on the way so perhaps a good time to do it. If the plants...

Welcome to GC Paul. I'm not sure 6ft is going to be wide enough for the crown spread of fruit trees. You could try growing espaliers against either the building or opposite fence.There are buildings going up behind, are they likely to shut out the sun?Obviously you will have to clear the...

I have the gold one as well and use my hedge cutter to keep it under control. It still grows back like mad! I'm not sure how far you want to cut it back in one go but I'd take a good foot or so off it all round and see how it looks. You can always cut more off if it's not enough.

Hey, theres a big difference between sprinkle and chuck! No worries, just tried putting a bit in my hand and one didn't flinch, so only the other 2 to try!

Brilliant, thanks for the info - very helpful.

Welcome and as others have said just give it a go. Agree with possibly failing with a packet of seed is no great deal but purchasing the wrong type of expensive plant for your soil/climate is a bit disheartening when it legs up......have plenty of personal experience of this!3 bits of advise...

@Lynd for the recommendation good to have a book planned for the winter months will put this on my list of Library loans

Hi Ashwheeler,I agree with Clueless and Loofah, you'd be amazed at what the difference is between a garden in Winter and a garden in Spring/Summer.I remember when we first moved into a house with a garden for the first time and we didn't have a clue about gardening ( I was about 14 then )....

@claypit what a fabulous job you've made of the garden . I hope this year you will be having lots of time relaxing in your garden & admiring it

The only one thing I would touch, would be if two heavy thick branches are rubbing against each other, and would cause a worn open spot on one of the branches, then I would decide which should go and still keep it visually appealing. other than that, leave it alone.and as I see the tree, I...

Ah something I forgot to ask, how far away from the fence do I plant a hedge? And for 6-7ft plants is the spacing I need roughly 2ft from each other? Thanks

@debrathezebra your most for your thanks hope to see some piccy's when its in full bloom

It's indestructible so you can treat it really mean if you need to!

As long as you fill it and turn it very frequently it should work but I'm not speaking from experience.Give it a go and report back!

My living room window is south west, my bedroom is west.I wouldn't have my bedroom anywhere else as it's where I start all my cuttings off.

Probably not stored right. Probably damp had got in at some point, letting it go bad in the box.

Fatsia Japonica will eventually grow into a tall tree (but then you always have a secateurs, lopper, etc.) And it's dead easy to trim. Makes good cover. It is ideal for shade. The more shade, the glossier the leaves. Sunlight turns the leaves yellowish.An ideal tropical looking plant for...

I don't think it's tree roots. But some are still a thumb thick a foot deep in the dirt but it's longer that that. I go a bit deeper but end up cutting it. Those plants have spikes on the top.Last frost date is end of April. When should I start them? This are store bought and have been on a...

Hi all,Thank you for your helpful comments - I'm going to try transplanting half of the plants to a new location, whilst leaving half in place. I'll let you know if they survive the trauma!Thanks again, Rachael