Sue Baines

Christmas, and are looking forward to the new gardening year. If, like me, you got lots of garden vouchers, you may be itching to spend them. Now is a very good time, but you do need to be discerning. Look at the bulbs - not just the packaging.

Make sure they are plump, not dry, and shrivelled. Lots of topiary and shrubs can be a bargain, but look carefully as to why it is cheap. Has it just been in its pot too long? Do you have the time, space and perfect place for it? Will it be too heavy once potted on? Will you have time to feed and nurture it? Or is it in the bargain section because it is diseased? Are there lots of notches round the leaf (possibly vine weevil), which may mean the grubs are eating the roots, and therefore best avoided? I’ve been hankering after some evergreen hollies, even though Christmas is over.

They are still a beautiful foliage plant with or without berries. They are slow growing, but once established, are very tolerant. The plain green are excellent for fairly dense shade, although you may get less berries if it’s too shady. If berries are important, seek advice, as unfortunately you need both male and female in fairly close proximity.

To make things more confusing, many female named plants are actually male!! Don’t let this put you off though, as it is still a diverse, beautiful range, and well worth a place in every garden.