Gardeners’ Question Time

Anne Swithinbank

A keen fruit, vegetable and houseplant grower, Anne was formerly the glasshouse supervisor at RHS Garden Wisley.

James Wong

Botanist, broadcaster and writer, James loves to grow unusual, edible and medicinal plants from around the world.

Bob Flowerdew

Bob is an organic gardener and has designed his garden to produce lots of veg, fruit and cut flowers.

Q What will grow in soil that is matted with roots?

Glenda King, County Fermanagh

A ANNE SAYS It sounds like your new garden is fully occupied by low-maintenance trees and shrubs that suited the previous owners. I imagine any empty spaces are grass or shaded soil.

I suggest you aim for colour near the house, with a landscape of trees and shrubs gradually getting wilder towards the edges. Consider taking out some of the evergreens to create sunnier beds for new plants such as roses and peonies or, on light soil, some Mediterranean plants. A mini-digger may be useful to remove stumps.

In areas of dappled shade with fewer roots (you can cut through some), you could create slightly raised beds of good soil, with added organic matter. Here you could grow woodland plants such as witch hazels, Japanese maples, hellebores and Solomon’s seal.

In wilder sections, clear glades for ferns, foxgloves and other plants that like dry shade. Perhaps plant rambling roses, wisteria, honeysuckle or climbing hydrangea to grow up into some of the trees.

A In moderation, you could cut through some roots to clear new planting areas. This won’t harm the trees and shrubs any more than moderate pruning, but never cut roots close