What is the problem?

Mrs Calender, Leeds

What is the problem?

Mrs Harrison, Tyne & Wear

Mr Lockside, Bradford

What could be the cause?

Mrs Clark, Co Durham

Mr McGurk Rochdale

Mrs Forster. Barnsley

These can be washed away with plain water. Reduce feeding in future to correct amounts.

Mrs Nicholson, Gateshead

In future spray on a regular basis with tepid water. 

Mr Sarson, Dorset

I have seen a 'spiky' reddish brown coloured plant in window boxes and barrels near my house, I was wondering what these are called?

Mr. N. Harris Luton

From your description we believe you are referring to the False palm or Cordyline Australis this can be used as a 'dot' plant or as a single specimen in tubs and barrels, red, variegated and green versions are available, enquire at your local garden centre for availability.

I would like to place oak tubs outside of my premises but I feel they would be stolen how can I prevent this?

A Woodall, Leeds

The easy solution to this problem is to secure the barrel to the floor by using a pair of rawl bolts, this will make theft very difficult if not impossible.

What can be used to line my hanging baskets?

S. Johnson, Carlisle

There is a wide range of liners available today, preformed liners manufactured from materials such as coconut fibre, plastic foam, bitumen paper, recycled wool and cardboard are readily available. A simple basket liner can be made from a black plastic bin liner cut to shape. The most traditional and pleasing liner is created by the use of sphagnum moss. All of these will do the job well. It is really a question of personal taste.

What is the best way to ensure our hanging baskets look good and last right throughout the summer?

Mr. T.E. Hagen, Morpeth

It is important that all hanging baskets and summer flowering annuals are 'dead headed' on a regular basis, this means the removal of spent flowers and seed pods. Not only will this operation keep the displays neat and tidy but it will also encourage bushy growth and new flower production, regular feeding and watering is also essential.

I have noticed in recent years, that it has become fashionable to use single varieties of flowers in plant displays. I am keen to try this at home, in your opinion which plants would you recommend I use to achieve this?

Mrs. Hunter, Durham

It has been a common feature in Europe for many years to use Ivy leaf geraniums to create stunning yet simple effects. None stop Begonia's Busy lizzies (impatiens), Thunbergia alata (black eyed susy), Begonia semperflorens, trailing Petunias, and trailing Snapdragons amongst others will give you satisfactory results. Try winter flowering Pansies for a similar effect during the darker months.

What is 'festoon' lighting?

Mr. Mackay, Dundee

Festoon lighting is becoming more and more popular with public houses and hotels. It consists of small lights arranged on a 'strip' which is fastened to the outside of the pub or hotel to highlight the shape of the building. The effect of this especially during the night is truly amazing . As the lights are low voltage it is also very cost effective to use.

It is all very well for the big Breweries to have all these fabulous planting schemes, but small operators like myself are left out because we don't have the funds to compare on this scale. Any suggestions?

M. Graham, Chelmsford

For a long time now we have recognised this problem and after speaking to people like yourself we are pleased to announce that we have launched a new tailor made scheme in which you can 'rent' displays, equipment and computerised water systems etc. this will be subject to a modest monthly charge and you will then have the same quality product the 'big boys' enjoy. Please contact us for more information.

I have just taken over a pub, which is fitted with a water system and controller. However this system does not appear to work and I have no instructions to operate the computer. I am very keen to have hanging baskets but I need to have the system I have inherited to be in full working order. Any advice?

G. Cook, Blackpool

This is a very common problem, and is easily overcome by taking advantage of our service programme, for a very competitive price we will visit your premises and carry out a thorough inspection correcting any problems we encounter. We will leave your system in full working order. We recommend all water systems are serviced on an annual basis this will ensure your equipment remains reliable and gives many years of trouble free service.

I have some oak tubs outside of my pub when I first bought them I drilled some holes in the bottom and they seemed to be free draining - however they are now constantly water logged, any advice?

Mrs. Lawson, Cumbria

Most oak tubs are very leaky when dry after a while the wood expands and the tub becomes water tight, I think the holes you drilled were to small and have become blocked. In future when you come to replant, ensure the drainage holes are bigger and fill the bottom of the tub with old stones, bricks, or gravel this should overcome this problem.

I would love to have some nice houseplants to decorate my home but I am not 'green fingered' what do you advise?

Mrs. S. White, Syston

If you really feel you can't keep plants to the standard you require, you could consider artificial plants. We have a range of plants which look as good if not better than the real thing, most people can't tell them apart.

Last year I bought some fabulous terra-cotta pots for my patio but some of these have cracked during the winter months, how can I avoid this?

Mr. Elmet, Rhyl

This is a very common problem with terra-cotta. Your pots have been damaged by frost, when buying any terra-cotta planters for the outside of your home you must check they are certified as "frost resistant" or "frost proof" if in doubt inquire when you buy them.

I have hanging basket brackets on my building and these are rusting and staining the walls. How do you overcome this problem?

N. Robinson, London

We only use top quality ironwork which has been 'powder coated' which basically means dipped in black plastic and baked in an oven after this treatment the brackets will last for many years and will not rust.

I visited a new Theme Bar recently and I was amazed by see a 'jungle scene' inside the building which was made from plastic rocks and artificial plants, I would love to attempt something like this myself. Does your company supply the materials for this sort of project or do you have any experience in this line?

D. Walsh

The answer to both your questions is yes. We have carried out many similar projects, as you have described ourselves. We have completed projects for all the major brewing companies as well as leisure centre, airports, film sets, schools, and company offices to name but a few. The limit to this type of work really is your own imagination almost any idea can be made a reality. Please contact us for more information.

I would be very interested in a self watering system for my premises but after seeing some in my local area I feel the look of my pub would be spoilt by the black pipe used for irrigation. Is there another alternative?

Mr. S. Kelly, Manchester

If you can 'see' water systems on other buildings it would suggest to me that these have been fitted incorrectly, when we fit water systems we ensure the pipework is always hidden - visible pipe runs are painted in to match the background, we believe if anyone can see our water systems, we have failed. Unfortunately the only other alternative is to hand water.

Can you recommend some reliable plants for winter container planting?

Mr. Simpson, Newark

Most people put their pots and hanging baskets away after the summer as they think they can't have winter pots and baskets, but this is untrue, so here is some examples of what will do well. Winter flowering Pansies, Heathers, Polyanthus and Primroses, Wallflowers, ornamental Cabbages or Kale, Euynomous shrubs, Ivies, Daffodil bulbs - tete a tete, and hardy Cyclamen or try ornamental Grasses carex all gold is my particular favourite.

I live near the coast and would like to have some winter baskets, please advise.

J. Evans, Whitley Bay

Throughout our ten years of operation we have never had any great success with winter planting at coastal sites, I would suggest you do not consider this as a viable proposition. If you feel your building needs enhancing in the winter months try artificial baskets, flags and banners or perhaps the new range of festoon lighting we would be glad to advise.

Do you have any Christmas or New Year displays?

Mrs. Nicholson, Maryport

Yes we do, we have a range of festive decorations including artificial Christmas balls which replace hanging baskets, festoon lighting supplied in a variety of shapes or we can fix small Christmas trees, decorated with bows to your walls any or all of these look really effective.