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Plant out dahlias into well-prepared soil that's been enriched with manureCut down pulmonarias to just above soil level after flowering to encourage new foliageClip box hedging and topiary to keep it neatRegularly tie tall stems of delphiniums

perennials and bedding plantsCollect seed from any flowers you fancy propagatingTrap earwigs among dahlias with upside-down pots stuffed with straw and balanced on canesPick leaves off plants affected by rose blackspotTrim conifer hedges and evergreen hedges

you want them to form autumn hipsTrim lavender immediately after flowering to maintain its shape, but avoid cutting back too far into old woodHoe weeds regularly to prevent seedlings establishingTrim conifer hedges, evergreen hedges and topiary

Sprinkle granular fertiliser round roses, shrubs and along the base of hedgesSow sweet peas into deep potsTransplant evergreen shrubs and conifers to new sitesPlace grow-through plant supports over tall-growing perennials, like delphiniums

Sow sweet peas in deep pots and pinch out shoot tips once two pairs of leaves have developedCut back old stems of mallow (Lavatera) to ground level, taking care not to harm new shootsPlant hedging plantsPrune down stems of dogwoods, willows, cotinus

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

Check variegated shrubs for plain green shoots and prune them awayPlant out wallflowers, forget-me-nots, pansies and other spring beddingFork over vacant areas of soilDeadhead pansies regularly to keep the flowers comingPlant lily-of-the-valleyOrder hedging

Plant up hanging baskets, and leave them in a sheltered spot before hanging fully outsidePlant out potted alliums in groups to add interest to flower bedsPrune spring-flowering shrubs immediately after flowering, such as forsythia, ribes

Take cuttings of your favourite roses Tidy borders by cutting down perennials past their bestPrune out old stems of rambling roses that carried flowersPlant new conifer hedges and evergreen shrubsClear away faded bedding plants from borders

Prune rambling roses, removing shoots that have finished floweringPlant conifers, shrubs and hedgingTie tall chrysanthemums to supportsPlant autumn crocuses, sternbergia, colchicums, hardy cyclamen and nerinesDig up hardy annuals if you don't want them to set