It’s time to...

...collect seed from fritillaries and either scatter it or save it to sow next spring.

This is silver leaf disease and the only remedy is to cut off and destroy all affected stems. This may halt the spread of the disease but if it doesn’t then you may have to remove the tree.

Can I grow a clematis through a magnolia? – Annabelle Wilson, by email

Yes, but make sure that you plant the clematis at least a metre from the base of the tree and take care not to damage the roots. Water it well until it is established and also during dry spells.

I’ve had a ceanothus for 15 years and it is always covered in flowers, but not this year. Has the warm spring been the problem? – Harry Smith, Aberdour

Ceanothus are from California so thrive in hot weather, but they are short-lived shrubs and you’ve had yours for longer than most, so it’s time to replace it.