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piles of flowerpots and debrisRaise patio containers on feet or bricksAvoid walking on lawns covered with heavy frostAround the gardenCut back ornamental miscanthus grassTrim back ivy and Virginia creeper Clear away dead foliage from perennials

Take rosemary cuttingsSummer's here and the barbecues are lit, so now's the time to be plundering your herb garden for added flavour. Follow our step-by-step guide to how to take rosemary cuttings now and you'll never be without a fresh supply

Forcing narcissiEnjoy an early scent of spring by forcing narcissi. The bulbs are in the shops from late-August and if planted immediately you can have them in flower by Christmas.Remove suckers from roses, shrubs and treesTrim box hedging

into decorative containers Put up bug boxes to provide places for beneficial insects Around the gardenPlant daffodil bulbs in pots and bordersCheck roses for suckers and cut off any you findTrim conifer hedgesFlowersKeep picking summer-sown saladsPlant garlic

Plant hyacinths in a potThe sweet smell of hyacinths is one that lifts the spirit as a sure sign that winter has finally come to an end. Hyacinth bulbs are widely available in a broad spectrum of colours. Whatever their shade, they look spectacular

.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

Make a Christmas wreath Welcome visitors by making a beautiful Christmas wreath with bundles of twigs and evergreen foliage from your own garden. Keep it simple so that it's easy to make and choose tough, resilient foliage so that it will last

Divide and replant snowdrop bulbsSnowdrops look stunning in carpets around the base of shrubs and in borders and are a welcome sign that spring is on its way. If you want to spread them around your garden then now's the time to lift and divide

and ivy, and plant them around the pittosporum. Carefully fill any air pockets around the plants with compost and firm down well.Plant tulip bulbs in the loose compost between plants, ensuring you have an even spread. Aim to plant them 10cm deep and just a

is channelled into the other flower buds. Cut each flower off as the petals begin to fall.Lilies and other bulbs will start to form seed pods as soon as the flowers begin to fade. Cut off only the tip of the flower stalk, leaving the rest of the stem to die down