Postbag Edition: Belvoir Castle

What is stunting the growth of my Japanese maple tree? My red tip Photinia keep falling and dying, what’s causing this? What's the best way to get rid of moss from a pond?

Peter Gibbs and the GQT panel take root in the historic grounds of Belvoir Castle, a site steeped in history since the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Joining Peter are garden designer Bunny Guinness, horticulturist Matthew Wilson, and Belvoir Castle’s Head Gardener, Andy Tudbury. Together, they tackle a thorny selection of questions from the GQT postbag.

This week, the panel shares expert advice on safely transplanting roses, taming an unruly Potentilla, and uncovering the reasons why some flowers lose their scent over time.

Senior Producer: Daniel Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided.

Q – My garden is filled with roses, but they’ve lost their scent, why is this? (03’31”)

Q – What’s the best way to transplant and plant from one environment to another? (06’24”)

Q – My garden has been completely taken over by Potentilla, how do I control it without using chemicals? (09’31”)

Q – My red tip Photinia keep falling and dying, what’s causing this? (11’49”)

Q – What is the problem with my Japanese maple tree? (17’40”)

Q – My 10-year-old rainwater pot pond in a black plastic barrel has become overgrown with moss – What’s the best way to get rid of it? (21’22”)

Q – Is it possible to cover the base of a 175-year-old copper beach tree with fallen moss? (24’19”)

Q – Can I use sawdust as a mulch? (25’49”)

Q – My mature Mahonia has flowered and ripened at two different time this year – what’s the reason for this? (31’20”)

Q – We have recently moved into a new property. We would like advice, please on where to position a new greenhouse. (35’11”)

Q – Could the panel suggest a way to keep our Melia azedarach whilst we’re away on holiday? (38’28”)