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JOHN NEGUS
John will reply personally to all your gardening questions Autumn is a good time to move most shrubs and trees, including witch hazel
Phycomyces nitens often colonises bird droppings
Unusual fungus
Q When should I move a witch hazel?
Q
I planted a witch hazel in February this year. I now believe that I planted it too close to the fence and I need to move it forward by 3ft (90cm) or so. Can I move it now or should I leave it until spring, after it has flowered? Steve smith (via email)
A
Now, or in November, is the best time to relocate your Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Arnold Promise’. The soil is still ‘summer warm’ and your charge will re-establish before temperatures plummet in winter. Start by digging a trench around the tree, about 18in (45cm) from the trunk, to expose the roots. Cut through large roots, but leave fibrous roots intact. Ultimately, unearth the entire root system. Then, pivoting the rootball to
one side, then the other, enclose it in heavy-gage plastic to stop it from drying out. Next, dig a hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. ‘Implant’ the rootball so that it’s at the same depth as before. Incidentally, you may need another person to help you move the tree. If you do, secure a pole to the trunk so that both of you can lift it. Finish by watering liberally to ensure that roots are in close contact with the soil.
This strange plant is growing under the bird feeders where seed has fallen. What is it? Maureen Watson (via email)
A
The curious fungus in question is a primitive species called Phycomyces nitens. The name alludes to its hair-like structure. Usually seen colonising dog and other animal faeces, it is probably growing on bird excrement. It is not harmful and doesn’t infect plants. I suggest that you remove it and compost it. Groundbugs are plentiful in the UK and don’t harm plants
Why have my potted hollies died?
Q
Future
Can you please tell me why my two holly bushes growing in ceramic pots have suddenly died? Jean Breen (via email)
What are the bugs?
All photographs Alamy unless otherwise credited
A
I am sorry that your hollies, which were planted in ceramic pots last year, have died. There are many reasons for a plant expiring: drought, waterlogging, vine weevil attack and disease being among them. I am wondering about the size of pots chosen and whether there are adequate drainage holes. If there are, did you cover them with crocks or pea shingle to ensure that they have not become clogged? Vine weevil larvae chew and kill roots. I suggest that you ease your
Q
My garden has been invaded by these small insects. Do you know what they are and if they do any harm? Sandra Baxter, Lincolnshire
Waterlogging and pests can kill potted holly trees
plants from their containers and carefully examine their root systems. If you see small creamy grubs with brown heads, they are vine weevil larvae and may be the culprits.
A
The creatures appear to be a kind of groundbug. There are 91 species in Britain and Ireland, and they are seldom harmful to plants. Yours could be a colony of European chinch bug (Ischnodemus sabuleti). As it’s rarely seen, I urge you to refrain from controlling it with a pesticide as it will feed other creatures. 22 OCTOBER 2022 AMATEUR GARDENING
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