jeffd

what plant is this? any ideas?

Looks like thorn apple a poisonous weed related to nightshade family.

Cherry Tree Pests

looks like it might be shot hole disease. It starts with the brown spots on the leaves which then turn into the holes.

leaf spot on escallonia

Hi Carol

There is no sprays to cure this disease, you can help control it by clearing up the leaves that drop, and feeding the plant may help strengthen the plant, probably a bit late for that now wait for spring.  For some details there is a link below.

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=108

Bamboo Problem

On the radio this morning someone asked the same question as you, they were also told the best option was a barrier. But they suggested using paving slabs as the barrier, just thought I to pass this on in case you have not done yours yet.

Ant Problem!

There is an chemical free product called Nemasys No Ants, to use on lawns. It does not kill the ants but irritates them so they move on somewhere else. I have not tried this product but maybe someone else on the forum has, and can advise how it worked for them.

Bamboo Problem

Established bamboo is very hard to get rid of, your other option is to put in a bamboo barrier, by digging a trench at least 2ft deep along the fence line on your side and lining it with plastic, digging out any roots of the bamboo as you go. you need very strong plastic , something like pond liner. Google bamboo barrier for ideas.

star jasmine propergation

Heel cuttings usually take quite well. layering is also a good method of propagation for Jasmine, if you find any low shoots touching the soil you may find some of them have already started to root.

Anyone know what this plant is in the pond

Looks like duckweed from your picture.

Mealybugs

No I don't treat it, It gets washed off by the rain, and it doesn't seem cause any lasting damage.

Mealybugs

I have a box hedge which gets a white dusting during late spring and early summer, it is caused by box aphid.