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!Raise the cutting height of your lawn mowerWash out and top up bird baths regularlyStretch netting over ponds and water features Around the gardenBuy tulips now while they're fresh in garden centresPlant daffodils and crocus in potsLift and pot up tender perennials

and family.Collect leaves as they fall to make leaf-mould Leave out sunflower seed heads for the birds to feed onCollect up all watering kit to store in the shedAround the gardenTake cuttings of your favourite rosesTidy borders by cutting down perennials past

plants will provide you with enough fruit for an early taste of summer.Keep window bird feeders topped up with seed Wash out flowerpots and seed traysMove patio pots to sheltered sites during cold periodsAround the gardenDig up congested clumps of winter

.Wash and disinfect bird feeders and tables Collect fallen leaves and add to a leaf bin to compost down Spread fresh gravel or grit around alpine plants Around the gardenTake root cuttings of oriental poppies Check stakes and ties are secure on trees and climbers

.Clean and sharpen knives and secateursPut up nesting boxes for birds on suitable treesMove shrubs growing in the wrong placeAround the gardenCut down willows and dogwoods to their baseFinish taking hardwood cuttingsPlant bare-root roses, hedging, trees and shrubs

eggs? Collect old flower stalks or bamboo canes, follow our simple steps and you could be watching the fascinating insects in your garden this summer.A plank of untreated wood or ply at least 10cm wideA plentiful supply of hollow stems such as reeds

hedge thoroughly before trimming it to ensure there are no birds nesting within. It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built.Conifer hedgeElectric or petrol

and attract moss.Other garden items you can make yourselfBee hotelCone hanging basketTin can lanternsGreen roof for your bird tableBrowse trees with colourful barkView a variety of a deciduous trees

-east.If your local wine store doesn't have any spare crates, buy some extra timber and make one instead.Attracting wildlife and insects to your gardenBuilding a bat boxConstructing a bird boxMaking a stag beetle bucketBrowse plants that are attractive

on the surface to discourage birds and cats. Once the grass starts to grow it can be given its first cut when it reaches 4cm high.AdamPrepare the ground thoroughly before sowing and try to avoid exposing the lawn to too much wear and tear during the first season