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Postbag Edition

Eric Robson chairs a correspondence edition of the horticultural panel programme. The panel answer questions sent in by post, online and through social media.

Eric Robson chairs a correspondence edition of the programme from Matthew Wilson's garden in Rutland. Matthew is joined by Bob Flowerdew, Pippa Greenwood and Christine Walkden to answer questions sent in by post, online and through social media.

Produced by Dan Cocker
Assistant Producer: Hannah Newton

A Somethin' Else production for Ö÷²¥´óÐã Radio 4.

Available now

43 minutes

Last on

Sun 26 Apr 2015 14:00

This Week's Questions


Q. Could the panel suggest something to quickly cover a chain link fence and provide a windbreak on the coast in the Outer Hebrides?
A. Matthew – You could try Sea buckthorn but be careful of the thorns. Clematis montana is very vigorous. Try using Elaeagnus Quicksilver. Christine - Griselinia has an evergreen leaf and is a large shrub. It is a leathery plant and can cope with salt and wind. 
Pippa – You could train a Tamarix and make an espalier form.Bob – I would try Juniper or Gorse. Alternatively, you could grow containers somewhere else and hang them from the fence when you are entertaining in the garden.  
Q. Recently my new lawn has turned yellow. I do not think it is the soil, so what else could be causing it? 
A. Pippa – It is probably a pest eating the roots of the plant. Covering an area with black polythene should bring any pests to the surface. It is likely to be Leatherjackets or Chafer grubs. 
Q. I have an area of sunken garden that is impossible to use a lawnmower on. I am looking for an alternative ground cover that won’t mind being walked on. 
A. Christine – You could try Pratia with its small leaves and tiny blue flowers. Mentha requienii will take a lot of wear and is fragrant. The prostrate Thymes could also take. 
Q. I am planning to plant a Yew hedge around a burial ground. Is it a good choice and do the panel have any tips for encouraging it to grow?
A. Bob – Yew is a very good choice and isn’t too slow to form. I would plant from seed. Pippa – You can buy bare root Yew to plant at the back end of this year. They do need some care and will benefit from moist ground, feeding and some formative pruning.

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