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Late-summer nectarAs some insects are still out foraging in late-summer, it's a good idea to provide food for them with nectar-rich, late-flowering plants.Plants for beesIn late-summer, many plants have finished flowering, but bees, butterflies

mould from fallen leavesPlant drifts of lily-of-the-valley in shaded bedsFinish planting tulip bulbs outsideImprove soil by incorporating compostDeadhead pansies to prevent them setting seed

Plant tulip bulbs in groups to make drifts of spring colourAfter first frosts, lift and store dahlia tubers or leave in the ground but mulch heavilyPlant evergreen shrubs and conifers, including new hedgesLift tender cannas to avoid frost damage

, chaenomeles, pyracantha and kerriaRegularly water newly planted trees, roses, shrubs and hedging Finish planting out gladioli corms in groups or drifts in bordersSpread shredded bark mulches around established shrubs and trees to conserve soil moisture

to have passed. All was relaxed and gorgeous.I've always loved under-planting with drifts of bulbs and was bowled over by a stunning, snow-like drift of narcissus beneath a flower-packed cherry. The effect was breath-taking. Having worked for the RHS

When visiting large gardens during spring, I always admire the drifts of dwarf flowering bulbs growing up through wide expanses of grass. Catch them when flowers are at their best and they look magnificent. They could be snowdrops or crocus, dainty

the gardenPlant tulip bulbs in groups to make drifts of spring colourAfter first frosts, lift and store dahlia tubers Plant evergreen shrubs and conifersFlowersPick ripe apples and pearsFinish harvesting marrows, squashes, onions and potatoesSow broad beans

-summer, when growth is at its most vigorous. Repeat through summer where necessary. Apply in cool, moist, still conditions when there is least risk of the chemical drifting onto and damaging nearby garden plants.lawnssummer to autumnMore advice on removing

single variety, planted in large drifts.In damp areas, try planting snake's head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris), an early flowering bulb that looks stunning when naturalised in grass.Bulbs or corms, such as daffodils or crocusLawn-edging tool

When we think of irises our minds tend to wander towards May and great swathes of big, brassy flowers over sharp-sided, sword-shaped leaves. Either that or drifts of yellow flag iris on the sides of pools and streams. We tend to ignore February. Big