GARDEN GURU

Q We have just noticed a new bud developing on our agapanthus. Should we cut it off, and does it mean the plant won’t flower next summer? Di Taylor

A Firstly, you are not alone.

My agapanthus are also confused by the mild autumn we’ve just experienced and are producing some unseasonal buds. I wouldn’t worry about it too much. The flowers will be stopped in their tracks as soon as cooler temperatures arrive, and you can then cut the stem to the ground. The good news is that the plant will flower as normal next year.

Q There are lots of tiny figs on my pot-grown tree. When will they start to ripen? Rob Baker

A I’m sorry to be the bearer

of bad news, but you will need to remove these baby figs. In the Mediterranean they would grow fat and juicy, but they won’t ripen in the UK and could even rot, causing the tips of branches to die back. Leave any that form on the branches in spring as they’ll have plenty of time to mature.