Q. I have a lovely large sunny terrace and wish to grow a mix of herbs, fragrant plants and flowering plants. A mosquito repelling plant would also be ideal. Can you make some suggestions? The area is in full sun until late in the day.

A. It would have helped if you had given your location as climatic conditions vary tremendously across this large country of ours and sowing times differ accordingly. Depending on the season, you could opt for herbs such as basil, coriander, mint, sage, oregano, rosemary and thyme, with mosquito repellent lemon balm, lemon grass and indigenous tulsi, the latter a form of basil. All of these are fragrant. On the flower front: try Virginia stock, Malcolmia, Stocks, Phlox, Sweet peas, Jasminium, geraniums, fuchsias, hibiscus, dwarf bougainvillea and just about anything else — aside from shade lovers — your local nurseries can supply and keep on checking for possible new additions on a regular basis.

Q. We planted four Ficus benjamina outside our house in Lahore 10 years ago. When they reached a height of 10-12ft, we started trimming the tops to maintain that height as it is sufficient to provide privacy from the road. At the time of planting we mistakenly thought this species was a bush but recently discovered that it is a tall tree with an intensive, invasive root network which, especially when grown in urban gardens, can damage the infrastructure, house foundation, water and sewerage pipes, etc. Having restricted plant height to 12ft, are the roots still a threat or can they be when the trees are older? There are water pipes and a sewerage tank within 10ft of the Ficus. We love the dense barrier they have made and would hate to have to take them out.

Get a hang on how to grow herbs and prune trees

A. Ficus benjamina or Weeping fig does indeed have an incredibly extensive root system which can, in time, cause a tremendous amount of damage: it pierces pipes, tanks, cracks concrete, invades building foundations and damages roads. Restricting the height of the plants does not restrict its rapacious root system and the regular pruning can actually ‘shock’ the root system into over-action in the hope of long-term survival. Sadly — very sadly as removing healthy, living trees / plants goes against gardening and conservation ethos — it is best to remove them. In doing so, try to get all roots out as if left, they are liable to send up new shoots. I sympathise with your plight.

Q. I want to plant a tree with showy flowers and a long blooming season in my front garden in Karachi. The area has full sun. What do you suggest and what is your opinion on growing Jacaranda in Karachi?

Freshly cut asparagus

A. Cassia marginta or ‘Red cassia’ would be perfect, providing that your garden is of good size. It can grow quite tall and has pink / orange flowers lasting all summer long and has the added advantage of spreading its branches out, rather like an umbrella, so provides good shade too. Otherwise Sebastana or Scarlet cordia, a smaller tree with dark green, very wrinkled leaves and stunning vermilion, trumpet shaped flowers in late spring and again in September / October, would suit your purpose. Jacaranda can be grown in Karachi but, as it does not enjoy salty winds / air, it will not put on the spectacular show that it does each spring in Lahore and Islamabad.

Q. Can pot plants be mulched?

A. Yes, but with care: the mulching material must not come into direct contact with plant stems as it may cause damage.

Q. Can asparagus be grown in Pakistan — especially in lower Sindh and Karachi. Will it be okay in clay pots? When should the seed be sown and where is the seed available live in Karachi? I have a reasonable sized garden.

Burgundy sweetpeas

A. Asparagus is now grown on a limited commercial scale around Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Peshawar but is unlikely to be very productive in the south of the country where growing conditions are very different: I suspect that the crowns may be prone to various forms of rot in the Karachi climate. However, having made this observation, I have heard of it being grown in the Malir area but have not personally seen it or had any cropping reports. It really should be grown in well prepared ground not in pots. As you do have a garden you may like to experiment and I wish you well. Seed, to be sown in autumn / early winter in your locality, is not generally available in Pakistan so I suggest you do an internet search for a reliable source.

Q. Where can I get seeds for sage? Until I can grow my own plants I need a supply of either fresh or dried sage leaves. Where can they be obtained please?

A. Some seed suppliers do stock sage seed —Salvia officinalis — during autumn / winter. I suggest you check with your local dealer then. Fresh sage leaves are not easily available but large supermarkets often have packets of dried sage in their spice / herb section.

Please continue sending your gardening queries to zahrahnasir@hotmail.com. Remember to include your location. The writer will not respond directly by e-mail. E-mails with attachments will not be opened.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, June 28th, 2015

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