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Topiary in the garden needn't be expensive. You can easily grow and train your own plant sculpture from scratch. The process takes a few years, but you'll have all the satisfaction of seeing your creation take shape, at a fraction of the price

and drawn. 3 strawberry plants (pot-grown or lifted from the garden)Large pot or hanging basketMulti-purpose compostJanuary - April20 minutes harvest May - JunePlant two or three strawberry plants in a hanging basket or large pot of multi-purpose compost

. In severe cases, growth becomes distorted, leaves curl up, the plant weakens and can die.Natural predators, such as birds, earwigs, ladybirds, lacewings, hoverflies, ground beetles, spiders and parasitic wasps are a gardener's best allies. Some

and can be collected in the morning. Encourage natural predators, such as spiders and garden birds, especially starlings. Use the biological control Steinernema feltiae, which should be applied while the ground is still moist and warm in late

Tiny sap-sucking scale insects. They are 1-6mm long, and their whitish, grey-brown shells are covered by protective, waxy scales. The insects don't cause too much damage unless they are present in huge numbers, but some excrete an unsightly, sticky

and air from reaching the leaves.Black or greyish-green mould spreads across sticky honeydew deposited on pepper plants by aphidsThere's no control for sooty mould, but you can control the aphids. Outside, natural predators such as birds and ladybirds

when outlined by frost.Cut back the fennel to the soil each year in late winter or early spring, otherwise it could shoot up to 1.8m tall.More ideas for summer colourGrowing summer-flowering plants to attract bees.Choosing plants for late-summer colour

the exact plants we show here, as there'll be plenty of similar things at your local nursery or garden centre. If you get cracking now you'll have a stunning display in just a few weeks.Gradually lower the cutting height of your mower Spray roses showing

Plant a small treeNo matter how small your garden, choose your variety carefully and you'll find there's always room for a tree. A tree will add height, colour and architectural interest to a garden and, if planted properly, should provide many

with gritty loam-based compost and sow the seeds evenly across the surface.Sprinkle a layer of compost over the seeds, water, then stand the pot in a cold frame or sheltered place in the garden. Keep it watered and protect it from birds.AdamMake sure berries