Q. I live at Kashmir Point in Murree, and while walking in the forested area near my house, I see several varieties of mushrooms growing, particularly during July and August. Many of them look mouth-watering. Can you tell me if any of these are edible? How can I recognise the edible ones and stay away from the poisonous species?

A. There are so many different species of mushrooms and other fungi growing in the forested areas of the hills that it is impossible to say whether a species is edible or poisonous without having an actual specimen for identification purposes. It takes an expert to identify the majority of these species (not an app on a phone). In many cases edible and poisonous species are very alike. There is no simple way of telling the difference between safe and deadly. Unless you can obtain expert advice, preferably on the spot, please do not even touch one.

Q. When is the best time to plant Freesia bulbs and what care do they need?

Your gardening queries answered

A. These South African natives deserve to be more widely grown in Pakistan than they currently are. Stunningly fragrant, with excellent, long-lasting cut flowers, freesia corms (these are slightly different from bulbs) are usually imported from Holland and should be available in garden supply stores now and on until the end of December. The best time to plant them is October and on until the end of November: freesia corms planted in December will have a shorter growing season and may not flower to their full potential. Plant corms approximately two inches deep in reasonably fertile, well drained soil/organic compost, water lightly in dry weather and they should flower in spring. In our climate, freesias do well in dappled shade (flowers last longer in shade than in full sun) or in a spot that gets just two to four hours of direct sunshine. Freesias are also simple to grow from seed but it can be difficult to get young plants through their first summer while they are in the process of developing their initial corm.

Q. My six- or seven-year-old plum tree began blossoming three years ago but it doesn’t fruit. What can the problem be? I reside in Lahore.

A. Unless you purchased a ‘self fertile’ variety, a second plum tree is necessary for cross pollination to take place and fruit to form. I suggest that you invest in a second plum tree of a reasonable size, this winter: it does not have to be the same variety as the existing one for cross pollination and the reward will be long-awaited fruit.

Q. Can fishmeal be used as a general plant fertiliser?

A. Especially if organic, fishmeal is an excellent slow-release general fertiliser: instructions for use vary from brand to brand so please read the packet for exact details of how to apply.

Q. How should I grow and care for rain lilies?

A. Rain lilies require humus-rich, moisture-retentive soil which is slightly to moderately acidic if they are to flourish and multiply. A partially shady location — such as in the shade of small trees/shrubs — facing north or east is perfect in our climate. As with most bulbs, it is best to plant/transplant them when they are not in flower. Plant three inches apart and about one inch deep. Water in dry periods but otherwise do not disturb unless/until bulbs become so overcrowded that they must be thinned out — this generally happens every three or four years.

Q. Is it a good idea to spray an Epsom salts solution over the root ball of any plant before re-potting or transplanting?

A. Yes. A nice touch of extra special care never goes amiss.

Q. What kind of growing conditions do Adenium plants need?

A. A well-draining, yet nutritious growing mixture, comprising 25 percent each of soil, organic compost, coarse river sand and fine gravel suits this sun-loving, attractive, succulent plants just fine. In extremely hot and dry weather, they will benefit from shade. Twice or thrice weekly, very light, warm water spray around sunset along with the regular watering must be done via a large saucer/bowl underneath the pot — which this species requires when in full growth.

Q. Last year I planted an Empress tree in my Lahore garden and it has grown nearly 12ft to 14ft since then. Recently though, I read that its roots can be a big problem. Is there some way of managing the roots or should I cut the tree down?

A. Empress tree, Princess tree or Paulownia tomentosa to give it its botanical title, is an absolute menace in urban areas and has the nasty potential to be invasive — at the cost of indigenous species — elsewhere. This variety spreads by both seed and by root suckers and is difficult to eradicate once established. It can reach a height of 35ft in two years and be over 50 feet tall in time. The root system is equally large and damages underground pipes/cables, etc, as well as damages footpaths, roads, walls and house foundations. Pretty as the flowers are and much as I loathe to recommend cutting down a tree, please remove it if you can and certainly before it grows any more either above or below the ground.

Please continue sending your gardening queries to zahrahnasir@hotmail.com. It is important to include your location. The writer does not respond directly by email. Emails with attachments will not be opened. Commercial queries will be ignored

Published in Dawn, EOS, October 22nd, 2017