Gardening: Your questions answered by Brian Kidd (Sept 13)

Q: I want to grow a hardy evergreen shrub which will flower in winter in my unheated conservatory. What will look good for a long time? CP, Southsea.

A: Buy a camellia with lots of fat buds. Be quick as lots of readers will follow this advice. Use rain water because our water contains chalk. This is good for us but not camellias.

Q: A friend has sent me foxglove seeds, can I sow them now? DN, Drayton.

A: Yes, sow them straight away. As you are creating a wild flower garden simply scatter them where you want them to flower.

Q: I want to dig out a pampas grass. Any tips? DG, Cosham.

A: Wear strong trousers, pruning gloves and have a bag in which to dispose of the beast. Ease out small pieces from the edge of the clump using a garden fork. Lift up rather than dig down. Cut up as you go. Once the first clump is out it will become easier.