Questions

I am wondering if you can tell me what is wrong with my Camellias. Both are kept in containers in a shaded position outside my front door. One of them looks like it is dying, is leaves have turned brown as have the flower buds and the new leave stalks. I'd there any way of saving this plant? What can I do too prevent it reoccurring? I have included photos below. The second appears completely different, it is thriving with lots of new growth & a healthy leaf colour. However I've notice numerous amounts of small black insects under the leaves. There are also ants present. My initial treatment of this was to wipe the insects off which I did but more ahead each day. Is there a product I should use for better results?

We are in the middle of having our back garden done. Living in Wicklow town in an estate with a south East facing garden . Relatively sheltered but with a steep slope at the back. We are putting decking at the bottom, outside the back door with steps up to a higher level of decorative stone. Sleepers will divide here and the steep bank where we had planned to cover with decorative bark (over weed fabric) and finish with low maintenance shrubs of some kind. This bank gets a lot of run off water from the gardens above. We have had a drainage system installed at the back of the retaining wall and under the deck. I like evergreens that give some colour like the skylark .. I also like the fetterbush and acres. Perhaps we should settle with ground cover plants and make some kind of rockery instead ? I see Lidl have some lovely ground cover plants at the moment .. like vinca minor variegated among others.. we have been told by some that the bark will not stay on the slope.. would you recommend putting down a hessian mesh on top till it settles in or forget the bark mulch altogether? Any ideas would be really appreciated.

Hi Gerry, I am hoping you can identify the plant in the photo. Its pale yellow flowers have just appeared. The leaves have a lovely scent when they're rubbed. It has woody stems. If I know what it is hopefully I can take care of it.

One of my Japanese maples has died, however the rootstock which is very pretty, has sprouted. If I plant it out, is it likely to be very vigorous?

I bought a Philadelphus plant in Lidl about 5 years ago and planted it in garden but it never flowered all I get is plenty of leaves I include photo.

My next door neighbour has a Griselinia hedge on both sides of her back garden. Both are at least 3 feet wide. If it’s cut back by half or even two thirds, will it sprout again, and if so when would be the best time to do it.