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Q. I am an Everton supporter and would like some more blue plants in my garden. Could the panel make some suggestions?

Pippa – One of my favourite shrubs is Ceanothus puget blue. It has beautiful bunches of flowers, a honey-like perfume and attracts lots of bees in the summer. You could under plant it with Phacelia. Lithospermum is a lovely little plant and can be fitted in between paving or in any sunny, free-draining spot.

Matthew – There are two plants that would work well at this time of year. Firstly, Ceratostigma has lovely blue flowers and works well with the pink of Nerine bowdenii. Secondly, Caryopteris is a low growing sub-shrub and I would go for the Dark Night variety.

Q. What sort of fruit trees would you recommend for fruit drying. The site is well drained and sandy.

Christine – Raspberries air dry very well, especially the large autumn varieties like Polka.

Pippa – Strawberries would also work. Dried Pear is delicious and has a lovely flavour and texture.

Q. I have three twelve inch (30cm) sticks that are supposed to be Bouganville. One end is covered in wax. What am I supposed to do with them?

Christine – I think you have been given some hard wood cuttings. Put them in a free-draining compost, waxy end upwards.

Matthew – You need to put them somewhere warm like a conservatory.

Pippa – I think a heated propagator may help.

Q. Is it possible to eradicate Raspberry Beetle?

Pippa – You can hang a pheromone trap which will mimic the smell of the female beetle and attract the males. They will reduce numbers but won’t completely eradicate them. Try to open up the area to increase circulation.

Q. I am unable to grow Fennel bulbs. What am I doing wrong?

Christine – Fennel needs a long growing season and good light levels. January is a good time to start growing. Plant it out as soon as you can harden it.  

Q. Could you suggest some fun fruit and veg to grow next season?

Pippa – it is important to grow something that suits your climate. I would try Sweet Potatoes as they have lovely ground cover and trumpet-shaped flowers. In a good summer you can unearth some very large crops. Try the Beauregard variety.

Matthew – I have enjoyed growing Cornichon this year.

Christine – I would grow Pattypan Squash.

Q. Why are my Agapanthus curving towards the edge of the pot?

Christine – You may have congested growth. If you have a large amount of foliage then the flower heads may be trying to escape. I would lift and divide them to see if they improve.

Matthew – If they aren’t getting enough light they could be affected by Phototropism.