In recent storms we had 100km/h winds carrying salty water 400m from the coast across our patio pots and planter boxes. Some plants are lost. Others are battered and dropping dried-up leaves. Is this the salt? Will it affect the soil? - Andrew Jakubowicz, Sydney

Salt burns plants. The softer the foliage, the more damage. Wind is damaging, too. Salt in soil causes serious problems but the small amounts you’d have can be washed out with a thorough drenching. Rain may have done this since. It also washes out nutrients, so help plants recover by applying light, liquid fertiliser plus some Seasol.

Our neglected Camellia japonica is overgrown and heavy. How much should I prune and when is a good time? - Rosanna Toso, by email

Camellias are long lived and surprisingly tolerant of neglect. Enjoy the flowers over winter, then prune as flowering finishes. Prune as hard as you like, as camellias can reshoot from old wood. You can shape it all over, or thin out whole branches to open the framework. Some organic-based fertiliser, water and mulch will assist recovery.

What hardy creeper will cover our neighbour’s five-metre tall rendered wall? - Fran Millar, Brisbane

Self-attaching species include evergreen creeping fig (Ficus pumila), best for shade, or deciduous Chinese trumpet vine (Campsis grandiflora), or Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), whose autumn colour is subdued in Brisbane. Tape the stems to the wall until they latch on. Non-attaching, flowering options that need supporting wires include herald’s trumpet (Beaumontia grandiflora), Rangoon creeper (Quisqualis indica) and Burmese honeysuckle (Lonicera hildebrandiana). All are large and vigorous, not for the faint-hearted.

Send your questions to: helenyoungtwig@gmail.com or Helen Young, PO Box 3098, Willoughby North, NSW 2068. Website: helenyoung.com.au. The best question for July wins a $100 worth of Neutrog products including their new Bush Tucker native plant fertiliser.