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Tidy up piles of flowerpots and debris that could harbour snailsRaise patio containers on feet or bricks, to ensure their compost drains properlyAvoid walking on lawns covered with heavy frost, as you'll kill the grassProvide birds with fresh water

plenty of moisture and can get waterlogged, but it's ideal for growing acid lovers such as rhododendrons and azaleas. Peaty soil is dark in colour and feels spongy if squeezed. It's rarely found in gardens.Peaty soilSandy soil is free draining, easy

, Armeria maritima x3Large container, we used one made from recycled tyresFree-draining compost with extra grit added (see Adam's tip)CrocksCover the bottom of the container with crocks, then fill it two-thirds full with compost.Knock the plants out

Take cuttings from delphiniums using strong young shoots, and root them in free-draining compostWash off greenfly from shoot tips with soapy waterFeed rhododendrons, azaleas, pieris and camellias with ericaceous (acidic) plant foodSeveral shrubs

plants.all over the garden, but especially on poorly-drained soilspring to autumnMore advice on removing weedsDockCouch grassSpeedwellPineapple weed

minutesAloe variegata x4Decorative slate mulchSquare terrazzo planterCrocksFree-draining compost made from equal parts of loam-based compost and horticultural gritCover the bottom of the planter with a layer of crocks.Fill the container two thirds

are dramatically set off when the fibrous tips are backlit by the sun.any time of yearall year round20 minutesPalm, e.g. Dasylirion acrotrichumLarge metal potCrocksFree-draining succulent or cactus compostPut a layer of crocks in the bottom of the container

.AdamAlpine plants thrive in well-drained soil so plant them in a pot filled with a free-draining multi-purpose compost with extra grit added.More alpine planting combinationsPlanting alpine strawberries.Growing alpine plants in a pebble container display

Summer is the ideal time to take verbena cuttings. Overwinter the semi-hardy perennials in a frost-free place and you'll have a fresh, healthy supply of verbena plants next year to replace any in the garden that have been killed by frost

.Bulbs need enough time in the cold and dark for the root system to develop and support flowering. Use a thermometer to ascertain that your shed or garden is cold enough (it should be around 10°C). Once inside, place the bulbs or corms in a cool, north