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Keep baskets and patio pots wateredSpray roses to protect them from pests and diseasesCut the foliage of daffodils and tulips down to the groundTrim box topiary and formal edging to keep it neat and tidyTake cuttings of non-flowering new shoots from

.Tackle weeds quicklyGrass and weeds will soon spread across a path that's been laid through a lawn, so cut the grass back to a neat edge to keep it under control. Use a stiff, sharp blade, such as a hand-weeding knife or lawn-edging tool. Use a long wooden

one edge. Brush the clean edge of the card over the top of your plants - when the beetles hop into the air they'll stick to the grease. Repeat as necessary.Use pyrethrum chemical controls, or spray seedling brassicas with a thiacloprid insecticide

. The adults have six legs and a pair of antennae, moving in the open at night, chewing the edges of leaves. This isn't itself a problem, but the fact that each adult is a female, laying almost 1,000 eggs in summer, is alarming.Holes and notches chewed out

squashed.I’ve developed a very cost-efficient system of protecting the young daffs from destruction. I take a handful of bamboo canes and some bright orange baler twine. I drive the short bamboo canes into the edges of the drive and tie the twine

This simple container feature uses only three three plants to dramatic effect. The feathery leaves of the soft shield fern arch gracefully over the edges of the pot, making a perfect foil to the silvery leaves of the Japanese painted fern

or spadeautumn1 hourUse a spade or lawn-edging tool to cut an H shape into the turf, pushing the blade vertically through the turf.Push the spade under the turf to cut through the grass roots, and start easing back a complete layer of turf. Do the same

: I was told it by Kim Hurst from the Cottage Herbery at the Malvern Spring Show last year (the 2009 show, by the way, runs from 7-10 May; I hope to see you there) . Those of you sensible enough not to let mint run loose in your flower beds will have

to last a few months and is easily replaced if it does break.Wire hanging basket1 pack of FilmglazeDouble-sided tapeScissorsHairdryerautumn - spring10 minutesCover the hanging basket with a piece of the glazing film, attaching it to the rim with double

.If you're looking for further DIY inspiration, then watch our video on building a decked pathway, or consult our practical project on creating a patio.Hardcore: 850kg bag granular sub base MOT Type 1, 850kg bag sand, 25kg bag cement, breeze blocks 440x215