Questions

An 18 month old white Abelia is growing horizontally from its centre, spreading about a metre across, but the centre is bare and twiggy. I expected it to be a bushy plant. Can I do anything to rescue it and encourage it to grow vertically? Should I cut it right back and start again? Thank you.

Garden measures 20 mt by 10 mt. Tks Gerry

Please can you tell me the name of the yellow flowering shrub pictured on page 63 of the magazine as part of Alison O'Connor's garden. I have searched through her pictures but cant find it. It is on the right hand side of the page. Thank you.

My garden is in Kilmuckridge on an evelated, exposed site about a mile from the beach. The garden is about half an acre.There are several levels to the garden.I planted conifers around the perimeter about 10 years ago. They havea nice conical shape Unfortunately, they are dyingone by one. I understand that salt and wind maybe the problem. The soil is marl and sandly. I havesprayed with feed constanly throughout the growingseason but alas they are still dying.Can you suggest a replacement conifer hardy enough to take the wind salt and poor soil? Many thanks 200420091

Got this wonderful plant last year and as it had no name on it I have no idea what it is. It has lovely red lantern type of flowers that come out in summer ( nearly out now) It has dark green strong leaves, It has very strong woody branches. It seems to be growing very quickly. I dont think it is a Chinese lantern as I seen pictures and does not look like mine.Id like to know what it is so as to look after it prooperly and maybe take some cuttings.

I'm planting trees (initially a shelter belt) around a proposed new house.The site is less than 1 mile from the Atlantic, prevailing W or SW winds, worst winds from E during March.My soil is fairly alkali, well-drained as it was in dairy pasture for ~ 30 years.Advised by local gardener (> 30 years local experience) that an Indian Cedar wouldn't stand a chance here.