GARDEN GURU

My weeping fig has suddenly dropped a lot of leaves. Is this normal? Lara Newman

Weeping fig is sensitive to a change in conditions. Plants that have been moved will sometimes respond by shedding foliage. The good news is that leaf loss is usually temporary.

A low-growing weed with pink flowers is invading my garden from wasteland at the back. I’ve tried spraying, but digging it up is the only thing that seems to work. What else can I do?

Diane Priestley

A Your weed is winter heliotrope (Petasites pyrenaicus), a vigorous plant that spreads to form a large carpet. Repeated digging or cutting it back with a grass trimmer will weaken the plant over time. However, probably the best way of getting rid of a dense colony is to cover it with landscape material to deprive it of light. Leave in place for at least six months before removing.

I am the president of a community in Spain with an established cypress hedge. The owners want to introduce some colour into it – could you suggest a climbing plant that would spread and thrive?

James Brogan

A Flame flower (Tropaeolum speciosum) is great in sun or partial shade and will scramble up to 10ft or so, producing exotic red blooms all summer.