Back in Pennsylvania, we find the top growth of a newly planted hosta, 'Maui Buttercups', laying on the path, the crown has been eaten right through. The top growth of a 9in/23cm begonia has also been severed right through. Very odd…

Before I went away a plant of Pelargonium 'Vancouver Centennial' completely disappeared in just one night - something I've never seen before. Although, now I come to think about it, I seem to remember that years ago a large hellebore, planted about six months earlier, collapsed when all the roots were eaten.

The cats have been catching some little black vole-like creatures recently but they don't look as if they could eat a whole pelargonium in one night. What's going on?