Garden tips: Leyland cypress; spring blooms; palms; tree ferns

Neighbours have been known to come to blows over the size of their huge Leyland cypresses.

Leyland cypresses are the cause of neighbourly discord because they grow so rapidly and so high.

Is there a way to stifle the rapid growth of a hedge of Leyland cypress? Would a barrier around the roots help?

BRONWYN ROSE, BY EMAIL

Leyland cypresses are the cause of much neighbourly discord because they grow so rapidly and can reach 30m tall. Indeed some councils have banned them from new developments. They need frequent trimming to maintain control. Although plant growth regulators exist, they are not available for home use. Confining the roots can help, but beware as stressed trees can succumb to pests and diseases. It may be better to replace them with a more suitable species.

We’re selling our house in spring-summer and wonder what we could plant in a shallow west-southwest-facing courtyard bed to keep flowering while our house is on show, preferably in green and white shades?

SUSAN DAVEY, PORT MACQUARIE, NSW

New Guinea impatiens are available with white flowers and green rather than bronze leaves. They’re relatively inexpensive and flower all the warm months. Euphorbia ‘Diamond Frost’ has clouds of tiny white flowers and spreads quickly. Otherwise white petunias or related Calibrachoa have profuse flowers.

Our foxtail palms, potted six years ago to go around our above-ground pool, are starting to bust out of their 40cm pots. What alternative palm or other plant to 3m-5m could stay in its pot for an extended time?

SUE HOUSTON, COORAN, QUEENSLAND

Any plant that grows that tall will outgrow a smallish pot in time. Palms are better for you than most trees because they have compact root systems. Repotting yours into larger pots may be your best option. Kentia palms are graceful and last longer in pots but will take a long time to reach your desired height.

My tree fern died after being struck by a huge branch. Now that neighbour’s tree has been lopped I’d like to try again. Is it true a tree fern won’t grow where one died? Is any variety easier to grow? Any care tips?

SALLY LAWRENCE, CURRUMBIN, QUEENSLAND

A new tree fern should grow if the area of soil is well prepared, adding plenty of compost. Cyathea cooperi is fast growing, has a slender trunk and takes some sun. Dicksonia antarctica grows very slowly, has a thick furry trunk and needs shade. Check the spot is not too sunny now the tree is lopped. Keep tree ferns evenly moist, watering them from the top and bottom.

Send your questions to [e-mail] or Helen Young, PO Box 3098, Willoughby North, NSW 2068. Visit helenyoung.com.au. The best question for September wins the delightful Daisy design outdoor beanbag cover worth $170 from IS Gift. The waterproof, UV-proof cover is 140cm x 140cm with inner zipped bag, beans not included. isgift.com. August’s winner is John Griffin of Yea for his question about planting trees.

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FLORA

Algae and gents’ fashion are not obvious partners but a collaboration between Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria and men’s outfitter Henry Bucks is challenging that. The delicate forms of red algae have been transformed by textile artist Tamara Schneider into contemporary designs for a range of handmade Italian silk accessories including ties, bow ties, pocket squares and scarfs. The initiative will help raise funds for a new herbarium building to house the State Botanical Collection of 1.5 million plant specimens. Claudea elegans, described by its collector in the 1840s as “one of the most beautiful plants known to science”, is featured with Entwisleia bella, an extremely rare and unusual seaweed, discovered off Tasmania in 2013. The collection is available now at Melbourne Botanic Gardens and from September 29 at Henry Bucks stores (henrybucks.com.au).