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Kingston upon Hull: coastal planting, eucalyptus trees and mouldy grapes

When is a seed ready to harvest? Which evergreen shrubs could I plant on the coast? Why are my greenhouse grapes going mouldy? Kathy Clugston and her panel answer the questions.

When is a seed ready to harvest? Which evergreen shrubs could I plant on the coast? Why are my greenhouse grapes going mouldy?

Kathy Clugston and her panel of horticultural experts are answering questions from an audience of keen gardeners in Kingston upon Hull.

Joining Kathy to plant some useful seeds of advice are proud gardener Matthew Biggs, garden designer Bunny Guinness and head gardener Matthew Pottage. They discuss the best time to use soil improver, how to see a eucalyptus tree through winter and their most creative ideas for attracting punters to open gardens.

Later in the programme, Matt Biggs pays a visit to Stratford Fire Station to hear how they’ve transformed and rejuvenated their garden space.

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Available now

42 minutes

Plant List

Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided.

Q – When does a seed become viable to harvest? (1’27”)

Q – Why have the grapes in my greenhouse gone mouldy? And how do I rectify this? (4’20”)

Q – How do I care for my large eucalyptus during winter, and do I need to prune it? (7’46”)

Q – What can I do with the soil improver gifted to me by the council? Should I put them directly in pots or mix it with compost? (12’10”)

Feature – Matt Biggs visits Stratford Fire Station to hear how they’ve transformed and rejuvenated their garden space.(16’52”)

Q – What's the best evergreen shrub that doesn't grow too big and will survive on the coast? (22’14”)

Bunny Guinness –

Ilexaquifolium, common holly

Myrtuscommunis, myrtle

Pittosporum

Osmanthus

Matthew Pottage –

Corokia

Corokiacotoneaster, wire-netting bush

Escallonia

Escallonia 'Apple Blossom', escallonia 'Apple Blossom'

Marcus Chilton Jones –

Berberisdarwinii, darwin's barberry

Ceanothus, californian lilac

Olearia

Q – Why has the Cherry Blossom tree in my garden stopped flowering after so many years? And will it ever recover? (27’07”)

Q – What hardy tropical style plants would you recommend for a houseplant addict? (32’21”)

Marcus Chilton Jones –

x Fatshederalizei, tree ivy

Tetrapanaxpapyrifer, chinese rice-paper plant

Eriobotryajaponica (F), japanese loquat

Crocosmia

Bunny Guinness –

Trachycarpusfortune, chusan palm

Matthew Pottage –

Eriobotryadeflexa

Podocarpusmacrophyllus, kusamaki

Eucalyptusnicholii, nichol's willow-leafed peppermint

Colletiaparadoxa, anchor plant

Q – Do the panel have any deas for other activities or attractions which would draw in a wider audience to our open garden event? (36’08”)

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