****We’re sorry but due to our limited time resources, we cannot accept enquiries about plant identifications.****

However, we occasionally provide short articles for newspapers and magazines. We are re-issuing the stories here – we hope you find them of use and of interest.

Sage Advice

Can you suggest some colourful holly varieties?

Can you suggest any winter-flowering plants that will produce a pleasant smell in my garden?

I have two figs in tubs. One of them grew so tall that I cut the top off. Was that the right thing to do? How should I look after them to ensure a crop of ripe figs? I have been feeding them now and again with tomato fertiliser.

The daffodils in my front garden come through and then get eaten by something – the petals have been nibbled and look very sorry for themselves. Are slugs or snails eating the daffodil flowers? What can I do to stop them?