Magic plant that deters moles

But these aren’t just ordinary plants, they’re special mole-deterring plants.

Problem is, former carpenter Mr Smithers – a keen gardener since he was knee-high to the pesky mammals with an extra thumb on their polydactyl forepaws – can’t remember what they’re called.

“I think it begins with A,” he said helpfully. “They grow to between 6in and 9in high.

“The first ones I had were given to me by a Toddington gravedigger who swore by them.

“I hadn’t been able to mow for ages because of molehills so I planted one in each corner of my lawn and they disappeared like magic.”

A little digging by your green-fingered correspondent revealed the plant to be Euphorbia Lathyris, an erect biennial also known as the Mole Plant. Its seeds and roots are poisonous and if it’s not controlled, it can become an invasive weed.

> If you’d like one of the plants, email reporter Bev Creagh and she will pass on your details to Mr Smithers.