Diss: Gravel Gardens, Camellia Care and Ways to Weather Drought

Q1 – “Many years ago, Bob Flowerdew wrote, "The difference between an average gardener and a good one is about two weeks." Is bad timing the reason for my poor strike rate with cuttings?”(01’51”)

Bob Flowerdew

• Ribes nigrum, blackcurrant

• Acca sellowiana, feijoa

• Ginkgo biloba, maidenhair tree

Question context

• Syringa spp., lilac

Q2 – “What’s wrong with my camellia leaves, they seem to be coated in a black dust that is spreading from leaf to leaf?”(07’51”)

Christine Walkden

• Camellia spp., camellia

Bob Flowerdew

• Dahlia spp., dahlia (context: comparison plant)

Q3 – “I’ve been given a bay tree, I don’t want to keep it in a pot. What would be the best position to put it in?”(11’04”)

Bob Flowerdew

• Laurus nobilis, bay tree

Q4 – “I want to create a gravel garden… do I lay gravel direct to soil or use a membrane? Do you. Have suggestions for planting, including a small tree?”(13’47”)

Bunny Guinness

• Iris germanica, bearded iris

• Verbena bonariensis, purpletop vervain

• Kniphofia spp., red hot poker

•  Lagurus ovatus, bunny tails grass

• Stipa gigantea, golden oats

• Euphorbia spp., spurge

•  Carex spp., sedge

•  Festuca spp., fescue

Christine Walkden

• Pyrus salicifolia, willow‑leaved pear

•  Stipa spp., feather grass

• Molinia spp., moor grass

• Libertia spp., libertia

Q5 – “Should I feed lavender, or is it not needed?”(19’16”)

Bunny Guinness

• Lavandula spp., lavender

Feature – Bob Flowerdew advises on coping with drought - (20’51”)

Bob Flowerdew

• Pyrus communis, pear

• Prunus domestica, plum

• Malus domestica, apple

• Ficus carica, fig

• Crambe maritima, sea kale

• Vitis vinifera, grape vine

• Pelargonium spp., pelargonium

Q6 – “Please could you recommend a smallish spring flowering tree with stunning blossom?”(25’55”)

Bob Flowerdew

• Cornus mas, cornelian cherry

Christine Walkden

• Amelanchier alnifolia var. ‘Pumila’ , dwarf alder-leaved serviceberry

Bunny Guinness

• Mespilus germanica, medlar

• Malus ‘Rosehip’, crab apple ‘Rosehip’

• Betula spp., birch (context: existing tree)

Q7 – “Many plants are sold in pots with roots in a tiny mesh pot… should I remove this before potting on?”(30’21”)

Q8 – “Do you have someone who influenced your gardening, and what plant would you choose as a memorial?”(36’42)

Bunny Guinness

• Rosa spp., rose

Christine Walkden

• Ribes spp., currant

Bob Flowerdew

• Canna 'Oiseau de Feu', Ccanna 'Oiseau de Feu'