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Q - We have two large, rampantly reproductive sycamores. How can I stop the seedlings coming up in my garden?

Christine – Apart from physical removal, there isn’t a way of preventing them.

Matthew – You could have the surrounding area as grass and mow them down.Ìý

Q - I bought a Rosa banksiae lutea a year ago and it has not yet flowered. What is wrong with it?

Chris – In the wild it consumes forests and can go up to 150ft (45m). You will need to contain some of its enthusiasm by encouraging it to run horizontally. Pruning will only reinvigorate it and encourage it to grow rather than flower.Ìý

Q - I have a French Lavender border but it has become very woody at the bottom. What is the best way to prune it?

Matthew - French lavender flowers earlier than English and is less hardy. You need to cut it back in early August although there may be some flowers remaining. If you leave pruning too late you will be removing the flower bud. You need to keep propagating them if you don’t want a woody plant.Ìý

Q - I have a south facing raised bed with mature Lilac behind it. Shoots from the Lilac come up and prevent us from planting a border. What can we do to prevent the suckers?

Matthew – When pruned they will react by sending up suckers. Either get rid of the lilacs completely or add a physical barrier. You could use damp-proof membrane. You would need to place it quite deep.Ìý

Chris – Every time you see a sucker completely pull it away rather than just pruning it. This will remove the heel and attached dormant buds.Ìý

Q - How can I get rid of blanket weed in my pond? I have used a small barley straw bale but it hasn’t made a difference.Ìý

Christine – The straw will require higher temperatures to break down than we have been experiencing recently. It will also take several weeks for the straw release any useful chemicals. Physical removal is the best method but it is almost impossible.Ìý

Chris – When you have removed the weed you should hang it on a washing line above the pond. This allows wildlife to drip back into the water. The dried weed can also be composted.Ìý

Eric – You can use a round hairbrush on the end of a pole. You can also use the dried weed as a hanging basket liner.

Q - How can I defend my Lupins? I have tried everything.

Christine – Try growing them in a container so that they are in isolation.

Chris – Use dry, composted sheep’s wool and dig it into the surface of the soil. It swells as it gets wet. The hair fibres are uncomfortable for the mollusc. For aphids use a horticultural spray.Ìý

Matthew – Make a garlic barrier spray by boiling bulbs for 45 mins.Ìý