Gardeners' Question Time Wrexham County Borough: Rose Cuttings, Begonias and Hydrangeas
Dec 22, 2025
In this lively discussion, botanist and garden writer James Wong shares practical tips on propagating roses, recommending layering as a foolproof method. Bethan Collerton, head gardener at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, offers solutions for deterring sheep with spiky shrubs and suggests vibrant plants for shaded areas. Curator Marcus Chilton-Jones dives into the mystery of hydrangeas changing color, explaining the role of soil acidity. Together, they tackle various gardening dilemmas, providing expert advice and encouraging green-thumb creativity.
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Snowdrops Refuse To Behave Symmetrically
- Snowdrops often refuse to establish just a few metres away despite identical aspect and shade.
- James Wong suggests soil microbiology or subtle microclimate differences may explain the mystery.
Soil Microbes Can Make Or Break Introductions
- James Wong recounted how pine trees in South Africa failed until European soil microbes were introduced.
- He used this to illustrate that soil fungi or microbes can determine whether a plant thrives when moved.
Propagate Roses By Layering For Reliability
- Layer rambling or climber roses by nicking a long shoot near a node and pinning it into the soil to root over a year.
- Use rooting hormone and lift the new plant the following year for the highest success.