Ask Gerry

When was Acer platanoides introduced into Ireland? What is the best way to maintain one?

Could you please help me to identify this deciduous shrub. It's hardy (survived last winter in small pot in a cold frame), tolerates strong winds and seems to be happy in a sunny position in alkaline soil. I planted out a 20cm rooted cutting this spring and it is about 50 cm now.

While clearing some of my borders this last couple of weeks I have come across two or three of these growing. Are they bird-planted, and can you tell me what they are please?

I've a 7 meter H x 20m L unsightly building/brick wall to cover up. Thinking of planting dense evergreens. The wall runs east/west so conditions are favourable with a sunny south facing location for planting ,though on slightly damp ground. Can you suggest trees that would do the job for this location in Co.Wexford. I'm planning on layering further trees and shrubs in front of the main 'curtain' of trees that will cover up the wall. As you can see this area is part of a driveway.

What climbers will grow through leylandi trees that are bare in a shady area facing east to give privacy.

I reularly see a hedgehog in my large garden and i would like to set up a place that it might hibernate i am thinking of under a evergreen tree that is close to the ground would this be suitable and how should i make it?

We are celebrating our 40th. wedding aniversary and want to plant a tree in the attached lawn. Can you suggest best location and a suitable tree.Have thought about a Blue Cedar but open to your advice.

At the back of my back garden I have a 40ft concrete brick wall 4ft in height and I have had a strong sunlap fence erected on posts from behind on top of this wall also 4ft in height and it is in a sunny position. Can you advise me what climbers to use for year round interest but to include evergreens in the mix and to advise me what type of supports could be used on the concret brick wall and fence would suit these climbers. Am I limited to certain climbers as the wall and fence combined is only eight ft in heights. The is a strip of no mans land behind the wall between my neighbour and myself if the climbers went over the wall. I live in the south east of Ireland and I do not mind if the most suitable climbers are slowgrowing but frost hardy.

We have recently moved house and there are a number of trees planted around the property. I have attached photos of one in particular and would be greatful if you could identifiy it for me, and give me some tips on how to look after it. Is a variety of apple tree and are the fruit edable?

I have a magnolia tree well established for the last 7 years and blooms every spring but to my surprise it has now flowered again. Can you tell me why and also when is it a good time to take a cutting and how would i do this?

Are the beautiful red berries on my honeysuckle poisonous?

Our house was built in 1948 so I presume the Scots Pine is approx 60 years old.It had been topped by previous owners (over 10 years ago) but right now seems to be losing its greenery and thinning out. Is it dying? Is there anything we can do to save it?

Could you tell me what would cause the leaves on a bay laurel to yellow and fall off? the tree is about 10 years old and this is a new thing this year. also not all the leaves are affected.

I have a sort of wild self seeding St Johns wort shrub, grows about 4/5ft or so high with thin wood branches lovely yellow bell fluffy flowers blooming at the moment, new shoots grow all over the place. Dont know what its called. Can you identify? And if so, can you tell me if the roots smell good as my dog is digging up the garden all over the place to get down to the roots (i think) It was handy as when i wanted to remove the unwanted bushes I pulled it up easily, the roots don't seem to go down very far. Its a lovely shrub but does spread everywhere. the wasps love it.

Could you tell me please the most fragrant honeysuckle to grow up a trellis. Is there one without black berries as I have small children playing in garden?