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to early summer for best results. Remove winter grime from patios with a pressure washerSow new lawnsSnip plain green shoots off variegated shrubsAround the gardenPlant out perennials in groups of three, five or seven Sprinkle fertiliser around clumps

, or even into the border.Treat timber fences, trellis and posts with preservativeInstall water butts to all downpipes on your houseApply moss killer to lawnsAround the gardenSow sunflowers outsideTrim winter-flowering heathersPick off faded flower heads

after the wildlife in their garden and boost the balance between beneficial insects and pests.Mow lawns regularlyTreat problem weedsTidy up hedgesAround the gardenTie in young delphinium growth to plant supportsSow hardy annual flowers directly into beds

- and nothing could be fresher.Cut out any plain green shoots on variegated shrubs and treesTreat moss and weeds in lawns with weed killerHoe bare areas of soil to prevent weedsAround the gardenPlant gladioli in groups to depth of 10-15cmComplete outside sowings

, the young shoots need clipping two or three times during the growing season. Dig out lawn weeds, such as daisies and dandelions Watch out for greenfly and blackfly on developing plantsCollect hellebore seeds from ripe podsAround the gardenPlant out

Divide irisesWere your irises lacklustre this year with precious few blooms? If so, give them a boost by lifting and dividing clumps and next year they'll flower their socks off.Keep lawn edges trimmed Look out for cabbage white butterfly eggs

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

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

planted on their own in a rustic terracotta pot. It's a quick and easy job with stunning rewards in spring.Collect, wash and store away canes and plant supportsImprove drainage on compacted lawnsCut hedges to keep them neat, and control their size