Gardening: Your questions answered by Brian Kidd (May 31)

Q: Can you tell me the name of this shrub please? We are going to move home shortly and we want to take it with us. If not, can we take cuttings?

A: This beautiful shrub is called hibbertia and is rather rare. To move it successfully you need to give it a good soak, then using a stainless steel spade, thrust the blade into the ground to the full depth of the tool all the way around the root system. This will encourage fibrous roots. The shrub can be dug out the day before you move and planted as soon as possible in the new garden. Cuttings five inches long can be taken in the third week in July. Firm them in well in 50 per cent sharp sand and 50 per cent compost and keep in the shade.

Q: What can I use to cure apricot leaf curl disease?

A: Sadly, there is no cure. But, if you can keep the tree covered all winter, this will stop it happening again. Do not dismiss this idea.

You may be able to move it so it can be pruned and trained in front of a wall or solid fence. Pruning to a new shape can be done now and then transplanted in October. A polythene cover will do the trick but it must be rolled up when flower buds appear in order to allow pollination.

Q: Is it essential to remove side shoots from tomatoes which are growing outside?

A: No. Some gardeners do not take out side shoots and achieve excellent results. However, most people do remove all side shoots. By the way, side shoots can be rooted quickly and produce fruits within 10 weeks in a sunny border.

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