Setting Bamboo | Treating and dealing with Ivy in your garden

Q: Liam in Stillorgan

"I want to grow bamboo in a container - what should I go for?"

Be careful. Make sure you get the correct Bamboo, as some will grow through the container and can take off. There are 'clump forming' bamboos which are very beautiful and that have lovely stems. So do your research. Note: You must have good drainage for bamboo.

Follow on Q from Liam. "How do I grow moso or giant bamboo?"

Giant bamboo is probably the one that can cause the most damage. So be careful! It grows to be very powerful and strong. The main thing to consider is the exact spot as to where  plant it - so if it does run away on you, you can grow it / cut it out. So placement is NB. Keep in mind, this type of bamboo can grow to be 20 feet high (also bamboo requires lots of water, so keep this in mind aswell).

Ivy Ivy everywhere!

Q. Aoife in Woodbine Park

"Any tips on how to kill ivy which is starting to strangle my peach tree?"
The best way is by hand. DON'T use any chemicals near your peach tree. It may be difficult, but its the best way.

Q. Sean in Kildare.

"I have a lot of ivy growing around my trees. What is the best way to deal with this?"

If ivy is growing in or around a tree or shrub which you want to protect, it is best to cut the ivy or pull it out. Using chemicals to kill the ivy can (and often will if not applied correctly) also kill your tree or shrub. Keep this in mind.

Top tip: On old walls etc (especially the 'older' ones that were constructed using a lime mix as its mortar) you often find lots of Ivy.

Sometimes the stems of this Ivy can be particularly thick. It is best practise NOT to rip this Ivy off the wall straight away. Why? Often because of the hold the Ivy can have on its host, you risk pulling the wall etc down with you when the Ivy is fresh. It is better to cut the stem of the Ivy near its base (make sure you cut out at least two inches, as it has been know for the cut stem to reattach and re grow), then wait until it starts to die off naturally. And then rip it out.