Ask Gerry

To the side of our front garden, we have a steep Bank sloping, (25 mtrs. in length & about 2 mtrs drop) into our garden from the adjoining property. We have had to put drainage to prevent heavy rainfall turning the area into near like waterfall conditions.many thanksCan you advise? 91We have planted 4 pampas grasses and 6 phormiums. The soil is sandy. We intend to mulch this area with pebbles but would like to plant some suitable shrubs to add interest and colour to compliment what we have. Any suggestions.

I was thinking of creating a wild play area for kids in the garden (about 5m X 30m); maybe put a climbing frame one end, add some hills and leave it to go wild. I'm wondering however if it will need to be maintained at some stages, cut back etc, to prevent unwanted rodents from making their homes (i.e. so needing tractor access). Is my plan to put play area and wild area together a little naive? I'm imagining Little House on the Prarie with Laura Ingles running through long grass - not an area with rotten grass overrun with rats. Can it be done?

Can you suggest a tree, climber, some shrubs or flowers for a poorly drained small to medium sized garden. (26 by 30ft).It is water logged in winter and has a heavy clay soil. It's not an option to do a big job on the drainage I had four beautiful trees for a few years but all died.Lar Duffy A mountain Ash, Hawthorn, and Acers. I also lost 2 Pyracantas.

Are there plants and shrubs for sale at this venue?

Can you please help. I have dark algae on gravel and can get rid of it. Swells up in wet conditions. qite slippery. tried weedkiller, mosskiller, lawn sand, and mogathon- No good. Have tried picking it up but very slow process. any suggestions?

I have an issue with the location of my garden shed. It's in a north facing garden and we put it at the back of the garden but facing the patio doors (on the back left of the garden, west) The reason for this is the sun lasts longer in the evenings on the right, east. Now we're thinking of putting down a patio and I don't know whether to put it near the house by the patio doors or at the back of the garden. What would you recommend I do with the shed, do you think it's unsightly to have it facing the patio doors, especially if we put the patio in front of it. What options do I have as I haven't a clue what to do. The shed is 10' x 6'. The garden is approx 32' x 25' Thanks very much.

I got my garden landscaped nearly 4 years ago, but some of the plants dont really suit the garden as they are too big....its a medium size garden, one corner of the garden is shaded and damp...what should i grow there...alot of plants died in the frost so im ready for new plants...shrubs..flowers...i need help to brighten it up.

We are the Parents Association of a school in Douglas with a centre for Autistic children. We have a budget of approx EUR3500.00 to plant a garden.The sensory garden will include plants to touch, flowers to see and smell, birds to listen to, fruits and vegetables to taste, a place to move and learn how to care for plants and grow foods. We want to put alot of thought into what we plant and when, as our budget is limited. We look forward to any suggetions you can make regarding plants and layout. It is a large, flat sunny site, with reasonabe drainage. The plants will need to be robust to allow the boys to explore the area fully.. We look forward to your reply and to getting our hands mucky.

Ive just bought my first home and would like to work on the front garden ive never planted anything, im wondering when i need to start planting for summer id like some potted flowers and some for the side of the lawn and i dont have a clue. Thanks Rebecca

We want to develop a garden of some sort and dont know where to start. The site will need to be cleared first and we have a plan that involves plenty of trees and hedging. we plan to adhere to the slope of the land and natural borders (ie ditches). we are looking at design books and just need a step by step guide of how to start the process. we wouldnt have any experience of this before.

Our pond was covered in a net from early November until just over 2 weeks ago. For much, perhaps most, of of that time the pond was frozen. Yesterday my son drew my attention to the fact that on the bottom of the pond are many dead frogs. They are bloated but otherwise not decomposed. I'm seeking help as to what might caused the problem and how I might deal with it.

I am starting a new garden in our newly built home. For planning we had to position the house to the rear of the site, leaving a very large front garden. Space to the back is limited. Total area 1 acre approx... including house. Fabulous views on an elavated site. Problem...I need to create shelter without blocking scenery. Problem...the site is quite elavated and I need someone to advise me on earth movement to get good levels...I want a very rustic, habitat friendly garden and don't know where I can find a landscaper that is sympathetic to the site. Problem....don't have a large budget. Full of problems!! Any suggestions welcome.

My enclosed patio measures 12ft wide by 23 long. My sitting room faces onto it. It has a wooden railing along the front. A sun room faces onto one side and a low red bri ck wall makes up the 4th side. It is paved with ordinary grey slabs, not in great condition. Unfortunately it has a washing line, tho it is removable and a built in barbeque, wooden rectangular table and chairs. I feel I could do a lot more with the space and like the idea of Japanese planting. It is south facing.Because it's narrow, I'm not sure how to manage the space. What plants are suitable, eg would bamboo be okay in a container in a sunny position? Needless to say, am on a budget!