Ask the RHS EXPERTS
Fill in the gaps
Q There are some bare areas in my borders – is it worth planting now or should I wait for summer flowers to go on sale?
A It seems a pity not to treat yourself to the many, reasonably priced, colourful potted bulbs and spring-flowering bedding plants widely sold now. Ideally, replant at least some empty containers or beds to give good colour until the summer flowers go in from mid-April until early June. Bulbs, narcissi and grape hyacinths, for example, blend well with pansies and violas. Richly coloured tulips are good companions with double daises, or Bellis perennis, and forget-me-nots match yellow, white and black tulips.
Sumptuous primulas with richly velvety petals, often as double flowers in blues, reds, pinks, purples, yellows and orange, whether single colours or bicolours, are vulnerable to weather damage suiting very sheltered spots, including porches.
Ornamental and native primroses are more robust. They can even be saved to plant next autumn. Potted snowdrops make good companions for these, and can go out in the garden when they begin to die down.
How do yew do?
Q My yew hedge has become far too big, how can I prune it back without harming it?
A You can cut it back in early spring. Stretch strings tight between canes, to get straight edges to the sides and top. Prune the sides and the top first. It’s wise to leave the remaining side until the first cuts have healed and sprouted, which may take a year or two.
Removing the top of the hedge is important as this promotes better sprouting of the cut timber. Be sure to make the sides slightly wider at the base than the top, preventing the hedge
