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of fruit. Summer pruning is also ideal for keeping trees in shape. Pick herbs, lavender and everlasting flowersBe on the lookout for developing pest problemsDig out problem lawn weeds or treat with weedkiller Around the gardenPick bulbils from lily stems

into decorative containers Put up bug boxes to provide places for beneficial insects Around the gardenPlant daffodil bulbs in pots and bordersCheck roses for suckers and cut off any you findTrim conifer hedgesFlowersKeep picking summer-sown saladsPlant garlic

Make a bird houseA nesting box is a great way of attracting birds into your garden in the spring and summer. It not only gives you the pleasure of watching them but also gives the birds a home close to plenty of garden insects to feast upon. Well

and algae.Water insectsNewts lay their eggs on pond plants. Good varieties to include are water forget-me-nots, watercress and reeds.NewtsMore on garden pondsHow to build a garden pond.Make a mini-pond.Top 10 pond plantsHow to maintain a Garden pond

Jekka McVicar's 10 companion plantsJekka McVicar's organic herb garden achieved a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show 2009. We caught up with her at the show to discover her top 10 herbs for growing as companion plants.Companion planting

Make a bee-lineGreat flowers start with pollination, and for that you need bees. Find out how to get the busiest garden insects to work for you.How to... make a bee hotelGardens are extremely important for bumblebees, and vice versa. Bees need

-east.If your local wine store doesn't have any spare crates, buy some extra timber and make one instead.Attracting wildlife and insects to your gardenBuilding a bat boxConstructing a bird boxMaking a stag beetle bucketBrowse plants that are attractive

Clematis wilt is caused by a fungus that enters the plant through a wound made by an insect or an abrasion, such as rubbing from a plant tie. It's spread by water splash, and blocks the uptake of water in the stems, causing instant collapse

are your best allies. Ladybirds can be bought as a biological control, and you can also buy ladybird houses to encourage these helpful creatures to take up residence in your garden. They need time to tackle the problem, so don't expect them to hoover up

pollinating insects.Water well to settle the compost and encourage the roots to grow. Start feeding once flowering has finished.AdamMix water-retaining gel and slow-release feed granules into the compost before planting.Don't plant strawberry plants too deep