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Matthew Wilson meets Garden Director David Ward at The Beth Chatto Gardens.

Q. I was given a Gunnera cutting fifteen years ago. The plant is now very large and threatening to knock over a decorative fence. Can I split the roots and replant them?

A. Bob – It has an incredibly tough root system. You would be best to excavate it with a digger and then chop it into pieces with an axe. You can replant them just before growth starts, probably in late autumn or winter.

Bunny – I would move the decorative fence rather than the plant.

Q.  I am looking for suggestions for a 2ft (0.6m) tall pot that has a diameter of 14inches (36cm). It will sit beside a north facing front door and I would like something with colour all year round.

A. Anne – Corkscrew hazel adds architectural value all year round and you can add something such as Primulas or Begonias beneath. Once the leaves fall you have a lovely shape and catkins. You could also try Phormium Alison Blackman.

Bunny – If the adjacent building isn’t too tall, you could use Abutilon Ashford Red.

Bob – Place smaller plastic bulbs within the larger pot. You can then have spring bulbs, then add a pot of bedding plants, and from autumn add something like an Elaeagnus, variegated Holly or an Aucuba.

Q. In Preston, are we too far north to grow Butternut squash successfully?

A. Bob – They do require a lot of warmth. Marrows cope well in colder conditions. Put down a back plastic sheet where you are going to plant and suspend clear plastic above to intensify the heat. Thin the number of fruits to produce a larger crop.

Bunny - It is important to choose the right variety. You could grow them on a straw bale by priming it for twelve days and then planting directly into the bale. You could add a cloche to the individual plants.

Anne – I grow the Harrier variety under glass in raised beds. If you use several plants they will pollinate each other.

Q. My tulips were very successful in first year but have been disappointing ever since. What am I doing wrong?

A. Anne - Some tulips will naturalise in a draining soil, but others just don’t. Replant them in wild areas where it doesn’t matter too much if they don’t grow. For important areas buy new bulbs each year.

Bob – You may have a problem with waterlogging. Use sandy, gritty compost and make sure you keep feeding them.

Bunny – Tulips like to be planted in deep ground if they are going to perform in consecutive years.

Q. My Loniceras always get mouldy leaves that drop off. What is the cause?

A.  Anne - They are getting mildew because of stress and dryness. They do not grow well in pots because they are naturally woodland plants. Try moving them into a more spacious, cool position.  

Bob – Check that you don’t have aphids. Aphids leave honeydew on the leaf, which turns to a black soot.

Q. How can I encourage a recently planted beech hedge to grow thicker and taller?

A. Bunny – Beech is quite slow to thicken up. Cut between each individual plant as well as the edge. Shoots will branch out from every cut. Also make sure there isn’t any weed competition. Don’t cut the top until it is about 1ft  (30cm) from the required height. You could also add a trickle hose for the first few years.

Bob – Add some well-rotted manure to encourage it.

Anne – When planting a beech hedge make sure you leave about 12 inches (30cm) between each plant. It will thicken out to fill the gaps.