Country Gardener crossword cd 17th June 2011

[Brackenheart]

Right trimming top off bush that's got out of shape to make an attractive shrub (4)

_ _ _ A

Could it be Rosa?

[chelle7272]

Seen answered as rhus -anag of bush with r (right) instead of b (top off)

[Brackenheart]

Gosh that's so clever but now it means aphid is wrong! Thanks anyway!

[rich47]

what is the clue for your answer aphid?

[Brackenheart]

Sorry only just seen this! 20a Pest or mite involves possible threat to plants...(5)
I don't have any other letters for that one but perhaps that is a good thing?

[quinie]

Try aphis-does that help?

[Brackenheart]

Should have said the first letter of the 20a 'pest or mite' clue is the last letter of the 'attractive shrub' word so if you are right with rhus it has to be an 's'!

[rich47]

slug?

[rich47]

scab?

[rich47]

oops 5 letters

[quinie]

snail but it's not a mite?

[Brackenheart]

Would it help if I explained what 17d is? The 3rd letter of this word is the 3rd letter of 20a

17d is 'Oh dear cox suffering - it normally produces lots of white flowers' (9)
_ _ _ _ _ _ H _ A

[Brackenheart]

17d answer is 'exochorda' anagram of 'oh dear cox'
20a now looks like S_O_M

[boxtops]

Brackenheart, have you checked Aphis as the earlier response already given?

[Brackenheart]

Hi, the 'aphis' one looks like it is 'storm' from 'pe storm ite'
Clever eh?