Questions

I have two Chilean lantern trees growing in pots on each side of my north facing, front door. I would like to keep them there as apart from their brightening up this area our garden is alkaline. Would this be possible? If not could you recommend a shrub that could be container grown and would flower in the shade?

I have had my flower beds cleared. What would be good to plant here to withstand frost in the winter yet providesome colour year round? I am thinking a mix of shrubs and flowers

I saw this tree when I was in Monaco last week but found it frustrating not to be able to find out the name. Maybe you can help. The aerial roots look like it may be a Strangler Fig but unfortunately I didnt take a close up of the leaf but I dont think it had what I would have recognised as a fig leaf. The leaves were smaller.

I love dwarf conifers and would like to find the supplier with the best range in Ireland, can you advise?

Can you let me know where I can purchase Prunus Mume Beni Chidori. I have read alot about it and you mentioned it in your article "The first Cherry Blossoms" in the Irish Independent on Sunday February 18 2007. Is it hardy to -15? Many Thanks Margaret

I purchased Winterberry plants in B&Q a number of years ago. They were covered in red berries and of course as I did not realise at the time, are a form of ilex and were all female. Do you know where I could purchase a male. Would it have to be of the same species or would a different ilex male species suffice to cross pollinate them.