Ask Gerry

I have got an Azalea Augustinia, about ten years old. it has always been leggy and only flowered in the last couple of years, this year poorly. Can I prune it back into old wood in the hope of rejuvenating it.? And how should I feed it ?

An article recommended treating plants affected by cholorosis by using sulphate of iron. I have bought liquid sulphate of iron but need guidance as to the dilution rate.

I put mulch out and the smell is quite powerful - i think it has gone sour as was bought from DIY chain store - how long will the smell stay and any tips to get rid of the smell?

Can you advise on best feeding for above hedge please ?

I have some Nobilis Abies procera growing for christmas trees and for foliage etc, some areas are a little off colour 'yellowing of the inside branch' I am guessing that Nutrient levels are low in these areas. Do you know of where I can get some tree samples tested so I can get the best fertilizer for the trees. Is there a need for a soil sample also?

I've had a tree surgeon chop down 17 old evergreen trees at the back of my garden which had grown huge but scraggy. He shredded all the lighter branches and now I have 3 mountains of 'mulch' - how long should I wait before using it under trees, shrubs and (newish) hedging? One 'mountain' is touching the lovely beech hedge, am I right in assuming I should move that?

Can I feed something like tomato food or Miracle Gro to a camelia or what is the best feed to buy for it?

Planted a bare root beech hedge last April 09 and really not much growth has taken place to date. How often should I fertilize to increase growth? and which is best to use? ? There is a weed blocker down but this does not limit interaction.

My neighbour cut down a huge leylandii hedge last week.. thank God. The light is fantastic, but the contractors mulched the entire lot and left 2 heaps of it behind. Would it be safe to use in a shrubbery and rose garden as ground cover to keep down weeds ?

Hi Gerry attached are some photos of berberis which i have had planted for the past 5 years. They are not looking in great shape and have what appears to be some sort of fungal or moss growing on them. I have attached some photos and would like some advice as there are a number of them in a bed within the garden and would hate to loose them. Really need some advice as not looking great.

I have a Pieris and a Rhododenron growing for two years but they are not thriving very well, what would be the best feed for them.

Is there any practical gardening use for turf ash from the firegrate, please? Surely it would be 'biodegradable'.

is there any help ican give a griselina hedge that lost alot of leaves this winter a nd is now making a slow recovery

Recently planted bare root laurel hedging and Acer 'Drummondii' trees. The soil in my garden is not great quality. wondering what is the best thing to feed them? Thanks

Is it too early to put fertiliser on plants/ trees mid march?