Gardeners' Question Time St Mary's Walthamstow
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Nov 14, 2025 Join ethnobotanist James Wong, plant expert Matthew Biggs, and horticulturist Frances Tophill as they tackle pressing gardening queries. They explore how to revive tired raspberry canes and suggest durable plants suitable for families and pets. The trio discusses balancing bee-friendly pavements with public perception and highlights resilient London street trees. Additionally, they delve into the pros and cons of growing Agapanthus from seed versus vegetative care. Tune in for invaluable tips and a sprinkle of green inspiration!
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Renew Old Raspberry Canes
- Replace very old raspberry canes after several years to restore vigour and fruiting.
- Mulch and add well-rotted organic matter to improve soil moisture and help new canes thrive.
Use Grasses As Protective Barriers
- Use fast-regrowing, fibrous plants like grasses (miscanthus, hakonechloa) as durable barriers in high-traffic beds.
- Plant shorter ornamental specimens and bulbs behind the grasses to provide colour without vulnerability.
Zoo Horticulture Inspires Tough Planting
- James Wong compares zoo horticulture challenges to public beds and recommends fast-regrowing plants tested by zoos.
- He suggests combining tall miscanthus with low hakonechloa and bulbs for resilience and seasonal interest.