Matt is Head of Horticulture and Landscape Strategy at The Royal Parks. A keen fruit, vegetable and house-plant grower, Anne was formerly the glasshouse supervisor at RHS Garden Wisley. Caroline Salis

Professor Buczacki is a horticultural expert, writer and ...

FLOWERS

There’s a lot of trial and error, but to save time, money and heartache, here are some common errors that are easy to swerve

Variegated evergreen shrubs sometimes produce shoots that have plain (or reverted) leaves, spoiling the look of the plant. It’s a common problem with elaeagnus and euonymus (pictured) in particular. R

Cut out any dead or damaged wood on abelias now to encourage good health and vigorous new growth. Start by trimming any flowered shoots to tidy and reshape the shrub. If you have an old, overgrown shr