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and stone mulches on alpine gardens and scree bedsBuy summer-flowering bulbs to plant in spring, such as gladioli, tigridia, galtonia, eucomis, anemone, lily and acidanthera

Plant lily bulbs in pots for colourful summer displaysPrune shrub roses to low new shootsCut back overgrown honeysuckle stems close to their base, just above new shootsTrim back old shoots of perennials left for winter interest, taking care

Move plants from greenhouse to cold frame, to acclimatise to cooler temperatures before planting outDig out new ponds and water featuresClean and sharpen secateurs and garden knivesBuy summer-flowering bulbs now, while the best choice of varieties

)Pick off dead flower heads from spring bulbsProtect emerging shoots of delphiniums and lupins from slugs and snails using a barrier such as copper tape for pots or garlic granules

with new aquatic plantsKeep newly planted trees and shrubs well watered until establishedAvoid mowing off leaves of crocus and dwarf bulbs growing in lawns until early June

Collect fruits and berries from cotoneaster and pyracantha, and sow their seedsCheck stored bulbs and tubers for signs of rot Bring potted strawberries into the greenhouse or put in a cold frame to protect from coldWash glazing inside and out to let

and foodSprinkle an all-purpose fertiliser along the base of hedgesMove patio pots to sheltered sites during extremely cold periodsOrder bulbs, corms and tubers for summer flowers, including dahlias, canna lilies, gladioli, eucomis and lilies

Top up fuel tank of paraffin heater every eveningBring potted hyacinths and bulbs under cover to bloomMake a sowing plan for raising greenhouse crops and bedding plants, and order seeds Bring potted peaches under cover to prevent an attack of leaf

Sow green manure crops to fill bare soilRemove pond weedsHoe and hand weed bordersFeed plants such as roses, shrubs and hedgesPrepare soil ready for sowing a lawn or laying turf during September and OctoberSend off for mail-order bulb catalogues

Plant winter salads in guttering or growing bagsCheck heaters are working efficientlyClean staging and wash capillary matting to use next summerLine greenhouses with bubble polythene for insulationBring pots of tender bulbs, like agapanthus