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Installing an automatic watering systemFeeding your plantsMulching beds and borders - video advice from Carol Klein

Cut back ornamental miscanthus grass before new shoots start developingTrim back ivy and Virginia creeper from around windows and gutteringClear away dead foliage from perennials, chop it up and add to the compost heapRemove weeds from borders

in earthy shades produce natural-looking effects and appealing textures that will add interest to any stretch of lawn.2-3cm diameter pebblesSlate chippingsA bag of ready-mixed cement26 litre tub trugPieces of steel mesh large enough to fit base of tub trug

in spring. Distribute it around the base of plants at the rate recommended on the packaging. Avoid getting granules on soft stems and leaves as it may scorch them.Slow-release granules or pellets can be mixed with the compost in pots when planting summer

Sweet peas are the classic annual climber and look just as lovely in pots as they do in a border. 'Spencer Mix' has large flowers and long stems, good for cutting, but 'Cupani' and 'Painted Lady' are particularly good as their short stems give good

.Once planted, my flower borders go into overdrive, spreading as they want with very little direction from me. Neighbouring plants mix and mingle, looking far more natural to my eye than carefully orchestrated displays. One spreader I love is alstroemeria, which

will give you some basics. Sage works well as part of mixed borders and thyme is always useful.Jekka's farm is usually closed to the public but there are 15 open days next year when everybody is welcome.

Brighter days and lighter evenings are really cheering me up, as is the anticipation of borders packed with sunflowers and sweet peas this summer.Seeds from the free packet of sunflower 'Russian Giant' and sweet pea '20th Anniversary Mix' that came

ripping out the lawn and a whole herbaceous border - to be replaced by a gravel path, three raised beds and a greenhouse. No more mowing of the lawn (or arguments about why it hadn't been mown). If you're a busy person, it makes more sense to have

flowerheads in summer. It will perform equally well in a sunny border or a container.Jarava ichuThis easy-to-grow bearded iris, with butter yellow and lavender petals, will flower from late-May to mid-June.Iris 'Lullaby of Spring'This short, smoky yellow iris