ASK MONTY

Q

How should we go about reducing the size of our 6m-high garrya shrub? Judy Hedges, Hertfordshire

A

As a rule, Garrya elliptica should not be pruned unless it becomes too big for its position. In March or April, remove any crossing or damaged stems and then reduce the remaining stems by a third to a half. Repeat over a few years until you have a good framework in the size you require.

Q

If I were to plant daffodil and snowdrop bulbs prior to laying new turf, would they eventually appear through the grass?

Paul R Taylor, East Yorkshire

A

Yes, but although the best time to plant daffodils coincides with the best time to lay turf – September – snowdrops are far better being planted ‘in the green’, i.e. when they still have leaves, in February or March, rather than as dry bulbs in the autumn.

Q

Most of the wallflower plants I grew from seed this year have failed to produce buds or flowers. If I leave them will they flower next year? Susan Tomlin,

Leicestershire

A

The most likely problem is your soil is too rich, causing them to produce lots of foliage but few flowers. Wallflowers perform best in poor, alkaline soil such as chalk or limestone.

Write to Monty Don at Weekend, Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT or email monty.don@dailymail.co.uk. Please include your full name and address. We regret Monty can’t reply to letters personally.