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wallflowers, interspersing with taller-growing tulipsPile a thick mulch of compost or bark around hardy fuchsias to protect them from frostMove shrubs, including conifers and evergreens, that have outgrown their positionPot up tender perennials from summer

Work off Christmas excesses by digging over bare areas of groundPlace cloches over tender plants to give them extra protection from frostSharpen blades on hoes, secateurs and other garden tools, and wipe with an oily rag before storing awayDo a

Plant out summer beddingSummer is almost here, but before you rush into the greenhouse to bring out your summer bedding plants, make sure the threat of frost is completely passed. For a successful display, take it slowly and acclimatise plants

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 verbena cuttingsNow's the perfect time to take cuttings from your borderline-hardy perennials, such as verbena, to replace any that may get cut down by frost in the winter.Lay new turf and re-sow bare patches of lawnPot up colchicums

FlowersPick ripe apples and store the best in fruit cratesDig up strawberry runners and pot them upNet autumn raspberries and blackberries Fruit & vegScrub off shading paint and wash the glass thoroughly Listen out for weather forecasts of early frosts

an impressive spring display that will flower for weeks.Prune suckers away from the base of ornamental treesCollect watering equipment to store in the shedProtect glazed pots from frost damageAround the gardenPlant out spring beddingPot up tender perennials from

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

and ceramic pots that aren't frost-proof Order farmyard manure or mushroom compost Around the gardenPlant heathers and trailing ivy in pots for winter colourCut down faded stems on rudbeckia and Shasta daisiesFinish planting tulips as soon as possible

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