I am growing a hedge with mixed Portuguese Laurel and Photinia, and haven't touched them for the first couple of years to let them get established. They are slow growing and most of the Photinia are bare on the lower parts and there's a few tall ones with growth at the top and bare branches. To make them thicken out, should I be pruning back to ground level? When should I do this?
This appeared in my flowerbed. I think from researching it may be Bindweed I am not sure and I would like to make sure before I try to remove it. If it is Bindweed, what is the best way to kill it?
I meant to buy an ericaceous compost in the garden centre because I need to plant some heathers, but I couldn't see any. Could I use "Multipurpose compost with added John Innes?" It says on the packet that it contains "a blend of loam, perlite, course grit, sphagnum moss peat and fertilisers."
I intended to use grass clippings from my lawn in the compost bin, and also small amounts to mulch shrubs. However, the lawn was treated with Dicophar broadleaved weedkiller, so does this mean I can never use the clippings in those ways? Would there be a period of time after which it would be safe to use them?