Gardeners' Question Time Summer Garden Party: Potting Shed
Sep 12, 2025
In this lively discussion, horticultural experts Christine Walkden, James Wong, Bunny Guinness, and Pippa Greenwood tackle fascinating gardening dilemmas. Walkden shares tips on modernizing cottage gardens with bold plantings, while Wong demystifies supermarket-bought pear trees and volunteer squash. Guinness offers advice on transforming mature gardens and selecting pergola plants. Greenwood dives into the nuances of pruning and propagating Sparmania, ensuring listeners leave with actionable wisdom and a renewed passion for gardening!
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Remove And Replace Contaminated Soil
- Dig out contaminated soil around sterile patches and extend six inches beyond the damaged area.
- Replace with decent garden soil and returf for a fast fix or seed for a slower recovery.
Add Structure And Plant In Clumps
- Contrast fluffy cottage plants with bold foliage and strong verticals like gladioli to reduce sameness.
- Plant in clumps of three, five or seven and divide larger specimens to save money.
Nurse Supermarket Bare‑Root Trees For 18 Months
- Bare‑root supermarket trees can be stressed; water and fertilise generously for at least 18 months.
- If no recovery after that time, consider replacing the tree.