HOWZAT

If drains are involved, you need to find out what goes where, even if that means digging down to see where the drains have been laid, (it’s useful to know anyway). There is no absolute rule about planting distances between trees, drains and buildings because local conditions - from weather to underground water sources to soils - and plants vary so much. As a rule, you should look at the full height and spread of a tree and use those dimensions to predict the dimensions of the roots. The problem about a lot of the prunus family is that they can sucker vigorously which can cause problems. Trees that do not usually seem to cause too many root problems include most members of the hawthorn family - there are some lovely specimens - and dwarf apples. Both will give you stunning blossom.

Finally a word of sympathy. I’ve always felt you should never buy plants or pictures for other people without asking them first. Both have to be displayed, and if the recipient isn’t keen on the plant or picture, the gift is a complete pain. Although I’m sure, this isn’t so in your case.

Dear Jane, My Viburnum is suffering from a pest, resulting in brown scabs and distorted leaves. The eggs have been laid between two leaves that are bonded together. Parting of the leaves exposes a white fine web, in the middle of which is a bug. This bug is brown with a pointed end, its size being up to 10mm long. I have removed and destroyed infected leaves and have sprayed with a proprietary insecticide. I inspect the bush every evening, and everything appears to be all right. However, by the next morning, damage has appeared as if by magic. Can you please identify and advise. Hoping you can help. Kindest Regards, Ronald Thomas

I think there may be two problems here. I reckon the first may be the Viburnum beetle. Try spraying the underside of the leaves in particular with pyrethrum, imidacloprid or bifenthrin. The blotches may be caused by a fungal or bacterial infection, and without knowing more about the spots, it’s difficult to know.

I came to several of the garden talks, where you were MC at the Chelsea Flower Show. Mike Calnan’s talk on sustainability was my favourite. One question though, why didn’t you do one? Susie Moody, London

I was far too busy keeping the likes of Calnan, Chris Beardshaw and Matthew Wilson in order! Actually, it’s been lovely, and very interesting, to work with them all.

Just a note to say I heard you on Radio 4’s Today program, and I totally reject your claim about male gardeners and about the inefficiency of leaf blowers. As for the grunting and groaning you mentioned, if women are allowed to do it whilst playing at Wimbledon, we men are allowed to do it when starting engines on our heavy garden equipment, while you ladies tip toe about deadheading. Name and address withheld

e-mail Jane Owen with your gardening questions: jane.owen1@timesonline.co.uk

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