Ask Gerry

I'm planting up pots for wjnter at the moment. planting tulips in layers to give a longer period of colour in spring, any suggestions for what to plant on top of pots to give colour now and throuh the winter, no great success with cyclamen in the past.

Is there was any way to keep flowers alive during the winter?

Has anyone ever seen a garden daisy like this?? my 'nature expert' 10 year old daughter found it on easter Sunday among normal daisies. i have it in water now... any tips in how I can preserve it better as it may be of interest to botanical experts?

Im a young gardener and recently bought some pansy and primula plants but the pansy are stunted and have small brown/black spots on them and the leaves of the primula plants are yellowing off and then turning brown and rotting. Can anything be done to save these plants??

I would like to have some hanging baskets during autumn and winter i wold like some advice on what is the best plants to give a little colour.

I have planted polyanthus seeds today, is it too late for them, when should i have flowers? Also I would love cyclamen in pots for winter/spring. Are they seed or bulb and when would I plant them?

Our wallflowers are forming seedheads, should we leave them, collect them or remove them? Thank you. Harry bond

What flowers will be in bloom in May I have First Communion and want garden to be as colourful as possible? Thanks

Wedding. Its an in-between time in the garden. Mine is mainly a summer garden hence the pots.

My daughter is getting married at the end April next year and i want to brighten up around the house and patio with pots and containers. what would be the best plants and bulbs to sow in them. i am afraid that daffodils will be gone by then. my garden looked fab this year and i am worried that it will look very bare at that time.

Are the bold-coloured primroses that you see in hanging baskets and borders perennial?

I've recently cleaned out my pots and am thinking of replanting them. i wonder what compost i should use, multipurpose or a mixture?I plan on planting lilies and crinum. bulbs in general i supposealso do you recommend water retaining gel?

I have searched all over for seeds for winterflowering plants, eg. pansies. Nary a one to be found anywhere i looked earlier this year. As you know if one wants to fill beds in a 3/4 acre site with plenty of winter flowers, buying them from a garden center can be a pocket buster, especially if one is on welfare or retired. I have a 30ft. polytunnel and i can grow my own stuff - but I can't find winter seeds to plant in may-june for winter show.. I'll travel to get them next year if i have to or buy them on line.

What type of flower can i plant for autumn /winter at entrance to both sides of my house which will look well?