Can I smother it with vinca, or another spreading plant?
Vicki Gibbon, Surrey A Ground elder, introduced by the Romans as a vegetable, is difficult to get rid of because it regrows from the smallest trace of root. You can take a defined area, dig everything up and remove every scrap of root. This involves washing the roots of any plants you wish to retain before replanting them. Edge this with a barrier submerged at least 18in deep. Or roughly rotovate the afflicted area, rake it and sow grass seed. Mowing the grass for a few years will weaken the ground elder. Or cover it with black plastic for a few years. As a last resort, you could plant woody shrubs into it and eat its leaves. Q I have five glorious bamboos in pots. For three years they have thrown up strong new spikes, but this winter’s wind and dryness has done for one, and the other four are scruffy and brown. How can I restore them? Vivienne A Bamboos can go from shining health to shabbiness in weeks. The problem is too much wind, too little water and tired compost. Give them a mulc
