A- David QI'M LOOKING for [...].

A- David QI'M LOOKING for a good tree or shrub for clay soil. Can you suggest something please? - Majorie, via email AYOU'RE spoiled for choice. Many native British trees are suited to clay soils, including oak, ash and elder. Fruit trees like apple and pear will also grow well in clay, although soft fruit bushes may struggle. You can grow birch and eucalyptus trees for more height and sorbus, hawthorn, magnolia and amelanchier as more decorative shrubs. Many conifers will also grow happily in clay soils.

QI'D like to plant some self-seeding plants so my mum's garden becomes less high-maintenance. What can I do? - David ATHE common poppy, Papaver rhoeas, likes full sun and will grow in most soil types, while the foxglove is one of the only tall flowering plants that thrives in the shade. Let both varieties go to seed and new flowers will brighten the garden every year.