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Finding scented pelargoniums
I want to build up a collection of scented pelargoniums. Can you suggest some sources?
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Is January-flowering violet unusual?
I have a violet flowering outside in January! Is this unusual?
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What’s next for my lupins?
I was given some lupin seeds which I germinated last autumn. They are now in small pots in a tray on my patio. What should I do next?
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Ideas for early perennials
I’d like some ideas for early-flowering perennials. I’m flush for colour from June onwards, but not so good for April or May, apart from spring bulbs.
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Hunt for bread substitute plant
I’ve come across the tartar bread plant, Crambe tatarica, and wonder if I would find one to buy at my local garden centre. What compost would I use and where would I plant it?
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Correct spacings for chrysanths?
Can you tell me the correct planting and row distances for chrysanthemums?
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Growing agapanthus from seed
I’ve been given some agapanthus seed. When should I sow it? Also, last year I sowed seeds of dierama and now have 15cm (6in) plants. How big must they be before I transplant them into the garden?
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Lift dahlias if you treasure them
I’m told there’s no need to lift dahlias now with global warming. Is this true?
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Why train sweet peas?
Sweet peas that I grew by the cordon method were affected by mildew in mid-September, so I stopped pinching out side shoots and let them run. They went on to flower brilliantly, deep into October! Why do we bother to train them as cordons?
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Castor oil plants are deteriorating in cold
I have what I think are olive oil plants outside in the sun. Could you tell me what is attacking the leaves?
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What’s wrong with my auriculas?
Can you tell me what’s wrong with my auricula collection? They have been re-potted and kept in an open cold frame in partial shade.
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I’ve forgotten the name!
I have a plant that was featured in Garden News as plant of the year, but have forgotten the name. more...Should I cut back leggy ‘Ellagance’?
I have just received some lavandula ‘Ellagance’ plug plants by mail and they’ve grown leggy. Could I cut them back to reduce legginess? Also, what group does this variety belong to?more...
Searching for a snowdrop
I’ve been trying to buy bulbs of the scented snowdrop galanthus ‘S. Arnott’. Where can I get them? Samuel Arnott was my late husband’s grandfather. more...Can’t find pheasant’s eye narcissus
I can’t find any genuine pheasant’s eye narcissus, despite extensive searching. I have childhood memories of this delightful narcissus and would love to have a clump in the garden. more...What variety is my aster?
Could you tell me whether the enclosed is an aster? Can you identify the variety and whether I could buy seed?
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Potting on rudbeckias and lupins
I can’t grow perennials such as lupins and rudbeckias. I have no problem propagating them, but I lose them when potting on. I use a good quality compost. Please enlighten me.
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Chinese native is a handsome plant
I can't find anything in my books about the enclosed, very vigorous plant. What is it?
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Search for schizanthus
I’m looking for seed of the tall-growing schizanthus, but haven’t had any success. I grew them years ago when I worked in our parks’ department.
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I want to make an auricula theatre
I am trying to find some simple instructions on how to make a two or three-shelved, wall-mounted auricula/primrose theatre. These were popular in Victorian times and look attractive in spring with clay pots of auriculas or primulas on display. Any suggestions?
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Daffs or tulips in flower border?
My mother says daffodils won’t look as good as tulips in my flower bed. Is she right?
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Can you identify self-seeder?
Can you identify this self-seeded plant? It appeared in my garden two years ago, but I can’t find it in my flower books.more...
Mimulus isn’t very minima!
Please can you name this plant? It was bought as Mimulus minima, but doesn’t look very ‘minima’ to me!
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Will indigofera survive outside?
I’ve got a plant named Indigofera himalayensis ‘Silk Road’. It has been in a tub for several years, which I move into a cold greenhouse during winter. Would the plant be hardy enough to be planted outside permanently in the garden?
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Gift is superb New Zealand climber
I have been given a plant known only as ‘Red Cardinal’, possibly clianthus. Do you know any plant that matches these names?
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