Ask Gerry

On 5th Nov I planted 25 bare-root laurels where lawn meets the path in front of the house. (replacing frost damaged escallonia). Approx 20 inches apart. I used a mixture of compost and the soil which is poor enough. Mixed in a handful of ckicken manure per plant. The leaves are going yellow on about 33% of them already. The soil has gravel under it so I doubt its waterlogged. I put each plant well into the ground, maybe too much, I dont know. I made a little mound to keep off water logging and everything looks alright, except about 7/8 plants look like there wont make it. Demoralising as I am an amatuer. Considering building a wall if the hedge doesn't come on.

Can I cut back lavender plants now? I want to move them to a new bed, and can i cut back aqualeigas? as they are huge this is their first year down and can i move them also? my climbing hydrangeas are in full bud will i bring them in to the shed for winter they are in large pots? whats the best way to store dahlias and gladi i have just taken up .

Is this a good time to move a camellia ? Any advice re same?

I have to move a Camelia (Donation) which is about 15 years old as it is squashed. I also have to move a Fushia (large variety with pale pink flowers) which is about 15 years as it is hiding some smaller plants.When is the best time to move both of these shrubs please?

I bought a propagator and took over 20 Hydrangea cuttings and they have now rooted....when do I increase airflow in propagator or move them to larger pots in my (new) greenhouse?

Drimys. When would be the better time to move this 4ft shrub - autumn or early spring?

I had 4 mature japanese maple (don't know the variety) planted about 2 months ago. In the past couple of weeks one of them, in particular, has developed curled listless leaves gone brown around the edge and some of the leaves have a dusting of what looks like white mould. The bark and branches look ok. I can take a photo if it would help but don't have one to hand at moment.

I wish to move my sambucus to a different part of the garden. its growth has been affected by the strong winds of late. should i prune it back very hard and should i do this before or after moving?

I have a Contorted Hazel and a Portugese Laurel which I planted too close together, I would like to move one of them, preferably the Contorted Hazel, to give them more space as they are growing into each other at this stage. They were planted about 7 years ago and both are about 6feet high. The Hazel is about 5feet wide and the Portugese Laurel is about 3feet wide. I would like to know if they are both suitable for moving and when is the best time to do this, also should I take any other precautions with them to prevent too much disturbance?

When is the best time to plant a cistus shrub?

Is it possible to take cuttings from a large bay tree which is planted in the ground? The tree is in good condition.

I intend to plant a new shrub border in an area that has not been previously cultivated. I have sprayed the grass etc with weed killer and that is now brown. Can I avoid digging by covering the area with a thick layer of farmyard manure and leaving over the winter before planting in spring? Or can you suggest any other method that does not involve digging?

how.do.i.get.laurels.to.grow.from.cuttings?