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BBC Radio 4 LW

Gardeners' Question Time

Discussion & Talk

Factual: Homes & Gardens: Gardens

Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts

A panel of horticultural experts answer gardening questions from a live audience. Recorded in a different location each week

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Gardeners' Question Time: Postbag Edition from Kew Gardens

Postbag Edition from Kew Gardens

09/05/2014

BBC Radio 4 - Gardeners' Question Time, Postbag Edition from Kew Gardens

Eric Robson chairs, as the team tackle questions sent in by post, email and Twitter.

Eric Robson hosts this correspondence edition from Kew Gardens. Matt Biggs, Pippa Greenwood and Matthew Wilson explore the extensive grounds, stopping off along the way to tackle questions sent in by post, email and Twitter. 

Also this week, Matt James meets the American Ambassador and is given exclusive access to a very special London garden.

Produced by Howard Shannon. 
Assistant Producer: Darby Dorras. 
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4. 


Q. I am moving into my new home in Newcastle with a south facing garden 9m (30ft) by 10m(33ft) enclosed by a high fence and a brick wall. I would like advice about the type and positioning of an apple tree. I love Egremont Russets so would like to know if this is a suitable location for such a tree.
A. It would be best to grow a variety of trees trained against a wall as espaliers or cordons. A free standing tree will take up too much room in the garden. Make sure you get some suitable pollinators in the area. This variety will grow well in the north-east of the country, and you could also try Ashmead's Kernel or Ribston Pippin.

Q. Could the panel suggest some plants that will survive the heat of a care home and still give colour and maybe scent?
A. Most plants will struggle to survive in warm, dry conditions all year round. Even Succulents and Cacti need a colder spell. Go for some summer flowering plants like Kalanchoe. You could also try Stephanotis although it is not an easy plant to grow. You can provide the humidity it will need by standing it in a tray of water or misting it.

Q. Could you suggest any trailing plants that could be planted inside ugly pots to disguise the outside? They are about 1ft (0.3m) high by 1ft (0.3m) in diameter and are concrete. The soil depth is about 50cm (19inches).
A. Ivy would be a good option as it is fast moving, self-clinging and affordable. You could add some summer flowering annuals such as Nasturtium, trailing Lobelia or trailing Geraniums such as Ivy Leaf. Aubretia would be a more permanent option.

Q. I have two apple trees in pots. Moss has started to grow in the pots, and so this year I want to plant something under the trees that will both discourage the moss and benefit the soil. Could the panel suggest something?
A. Firstly try to remove the moss without disturbing the apple tree roots. Bedding plants are the best option and there is something to suit everyone. Later on in the year try winter bedding such as Pansies or Pom Pom Daisies. Make sure that you give trees in pots a little bit more food and moisture.

Q. My garden is 13m long by 8m wide. The local council are going to build a school the other side of my fence which will be as tall as the house. What can I plant at the bottom of my garden that will grow rapidly and provide a good screen?
A. Try a variety of trees, as a hedge will simply provide a block shape rather than break up the view. Make yourself aware of the high hedge legislation. Try the River Birch for its great autumn colour. Also think about using Conifers or a Thuja. You could try a good species of Hornbeam which can be lightly clipped to create leaf retention in the autumn.

Q. I have struggled to grow grass on a south facing front lawn. I have re-seeded several times but it always dies off. We have discovered that there is about two inches of soil above what appears to be builders' rubble. What could we grow there instead of a lawn?
A. You need to remove some of the rubble because you don't know what is hidden and it could be mildly toxic or alkaline. Then try adding good quality topsoil. Mediterranean plants would usually grow well in these conditions but be careful if the soil has become very heavily compacted. Too much moisture may build up over winter and cause root death. Try Escholtzia from seed.

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