Hello, You are right to be concerned and bay trees can get very large if left to their own devices, and large plants (particularly those with a dense crown like this one) do cast lots of shade. Also, as the other herbs you want to grow all like a really sunny spot, you would be better not mixing the two - or at least plant it in a pot nearby where you can restrict its size.

Helen

Hello Galia, All of the taller shrubs you mentioned for the semi-circular bed will get quite large, but their growth will be restricted (both in height and spread) if they are kept in a pot where their roots are restricted. For groundcover you could opt for any of the following:- Bergenia http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.bergenia/ Helleborus http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.helleborus/ Heuchera http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.heuchera/ Epimedium http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.epimedium/ Geranium http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.geranium/ Erica http://www.crocus.co.uk/search/_/search.erica/ As for the bamboos, even the most well behaved one (Fargesia murieliae) will spread to around 1.5m across so you should keep this in mind when planting it in such a confined space. Perhaps a better option would be one of our hedging plants, which can be cut back hard against the wall. Taxus http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/trees/hedging/conifer/bigger-trees/best-in-very-large-gardens-parks/taxus-baccata-/classid.6230/ or Ligustrum http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/shrubs/hedging/ligustrum-ovalifolium-/classid.4093/ would be good options. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

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Hello Muriel, I'm afraid these plants are not suitable for using indoors for any length of time. I'm sorry not to be more help. Helen Plant Doctor

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Hello Pamela, You can do the herbaceous perennials anytime between now and spring, but the Caryopteris and Lavenders should be tackled in spring. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

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Hi Helen, Thank you for your helpful information. The snow made the decision for me, it has lain for 4 weeks now. Kind Regards Pamela

Pamela Spiers

Hello Pat, The yellowing leaves could be caused by a number of things including too much or too little water or nutrients, or it may simply need to be moved into a larger pot. I'm afraid I have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of your plants problems, but I'm confident that if you can improve the growing conditions, you should see an improvement when it puts on new growth next spring. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

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Hello Guy, The following plants would be suitable for your pots. Forget-me-not (Myosotis species) Bellflowers (Campanula species) Cranesbill (Geranium species) Dahlia - single-flowered species and cultivars Hellebores (Helleborus species) Japanese anemone (Anemone ?? hybrida) Fritillaries (Fritillaria species) Grape hyacinth (Muscari species) Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) Siberian squill (Scilla siberica) Winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) Box (Buxus sempervirens) Christmas box (Sarcococca species) I hope this helps, Helen Plant Doctor

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Hello Ann, I think it is probably due to be re-potted now, so I would do this, but check on the compost bag about feeding as most composts already have fertiliser added. Generally a good shake will dislodge all the yellow leaves and once done the plant will look a lot neater. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

Ann Mann

Hello Annie, This sometimes happens after cold winters, but it is still a bit of a mystery as to what causes it. The general belief is that is is caused by stress - from freezing temperatures or irregular watering. The good news is that it is rarely fatal, especially if the rest of the plant looks happy and healthy. If however the top growth has died back, then this should be removed, cutting back into healthy wood. I'm afraid it will ruin the shape of your standard, but the plant may send up new shoots.

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Hello Jane, The best time to pot them up is in spring or autumn, but you can do it carefully at any time using John Innes No 2 or 3 compost. The discolouration of the foliage is probably caused by a watering problem, so make sure that they are watered regularly and that any excess water can drain away freely and feed them with a good general-purpose fertiliser during the growing season. The nibbled bits could be caused by caterpillars or more worryingly Vine Weevil adults, so keep your eyes peeled for these.

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Hello Peter, The Bay tree can be potted up into either John Innes No 2 or ericaceous compost so I would not be too concerned about it. I hope this helps. Helen Plant Doctor

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