Early spring. You'll need some sphagnum moss soaked in water for 30 minutes, a little plastic wrap or black polythene, and string. Make two parallel cuts about 4cm apart around the chosen branch (last year's growth) so you can peeloff the bark in between. Squeeze excess water from the sphagnum moss and pack around the peeled area, wrapping snugly with plastic then tying with string to prevent evaporation and keep out rain. Roots should be formed after six months.
How can I keep my neighbour's cats off the garden?
With difficulty! You can buy commercial products, but these don't always work. Wire covers do a good job over freshly planted rows, or you could try thorny rose branches or holly leaves for a deterrent effect. Sticks poked into the ground about a cat's width apart are also effective, while some people report success with scattering chilli powder, hot pepper sauce or citrus peels. And if you catch the cats in the act, a squirt of water will do the trick.
