Ask Gerry

Planted loads of ice plants from cuttings over the past couple of years (small succulent looking leaves, purple flower)... all taking off nicely as ground cover. However, the recent cold makes them look very dead! Will they recover in the spring? Can you suggest alternative low ground cover for S facing slope, lots of sun, pretty free draining (if it doesn't rain every day like last summer!. I have small polygonum knotweed which is great but would like some good alternatives that are just as robust and all year rounders.

I bought alpines in tiny pots end of summer, waterfall feature now working. can i plant the alpines on the fake rocks and mixed real rocks NOW, how do i do it? they look a bit worse for wear. what happens if the pump or electrics break down and all is established in and around the feature? Thanks

Is it possible to rid a garden of Scutch Grass as it is growing and weaving it's way through a layer of Mypex and Pink Granit.

have you suggestions for plants or flowers for a grave that gives colour all year round and that are easy maintenance low growing .there is an area of the grave about 12inches wide and six feet across where i can plant into the ground.the plants would have to be shallow roots as i am not sure if concrete will be the underlayer and then i will be filling with soil ,the grave is just being finished now.

Hi Gerry, I'm hoping to give some colour by planting the top and face of a drystone retaining wall. At present its covered by ivy on top with a few foxgloves on the face.Large trees above and grisilina hedge behind. Thanks in advance

Hi Gerry! Do you know where I could buy an old-style voilet plant (not African violet, or the wild violet)? Thanks !

Hi Gerry, I have been looking for a plant known as "Mother of Thousands" Saxifraga Stolonifera.tricolour. Can you recommend a garden center that might stock it or could it be available by mail order? I have tried National Garden Center in Kilquade; Johnstown Garden Center and some local ones without success.Any pointers would be greatfully apreciated.Paul

Dear GerryWe have a new property in South-West France (Biarritz) which has two large concrete Jardinieres on the balcony. they have already been lined and filled with compost by the development's landscapers. We expect to spend a week or so every couple of months there. Would you please have any suggestions how we could plant up and maintain these containers in a way that they will survive from visit to visit?

Gerry, I'm a new member. Name of a deep blue creeper found early summer growing over old walls etc.?

Can you please tell me what this flower is? It has returned again this year with no effort whatsoever.

We put sedum cuttings down on a roof 3 years ago, didn't realise we had to feed the sedum, waiting for the show of colour last year combined with a very dull summer, there is a lot of moss in place. We applied seaweed on it last autumn which I will do shortly again. Just wondering what type of fertiliser, could I use that won't harm the sedum but will reduce the moss, there is also a part were clover is growing. roof is north facing. found on nz website the ratio n12.6/ iron 8 and sulphur 1, can't find if sedum will thrive on this.

Have recently just fallen in love with gardening after never having done it before. I put in a large rockery (prob about 10M) and I have been busy planting away with summer flowers. My question is what are the best flowers to plant for autumn or seeds to sow. Have no idea what will last autumn into winter so any advice would be gratefully appreciated.