"Kay" wrote in message
...
In article , Alex Woodward
writes
Perhaps I should give them more time to establish, or do you think there
is
a problem with the soil? I have to admit I have not tested the ph level of
the soil - which is an obvious mistake I suppose.

You can get some idea by what grows around. Do neighbours grow
rhododendrons, for example, and what are your commonest weeds?

My nearest neighbour has grown heathers quite successfully over a three year
period. Though I can't remember seeing any of them withering during their
first year, unlike mine. However, my neighbours are south facing while mine
get a couple of hours of sun on a north facing bed.

Alex