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it into growth up to eight weeks early. Top up bird baths with fresh water dailyRecycle your Christmas tree at the local council tipCheck closing dates for any seed catalogue discountsAround the gardenSquash mistletoe berries into apple tree branchesCut down old

lawn and help keep it looking its best.Replenish gravel and grit mulches around alpine plantsPut slug barrier products around the tender new shootsDig plenty of compost into heavy clay soilsAround the gardenSprinkle granular fertiliser round roses

foliage intact for six weeks after flowering FlowersSow dwarf and climbing beans in deep pots or cardboard toilet roll tubesPlant new asparagus bedsContinue planting potatoes, shallots and onion setsFruit & vegMake mini-cloches from empty plastic bottles

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

Plant lily bulbs in a potIf your garden suffers from gaps during the summer, why not use lilies to add a temporary, but timely, burst of colour? Plant bulbs into pots in spring and you can simply drop them - pot and all - into displays on the patio

Make glass jar lanternsEnjoy life outdoors longer through the summer evenings with the help of these simple jar lanterns. Perfect for a barbecue or party, they'll bring a sparkle to you garden in the evening and cost just a few pounds to make

by blackspot or rustSet up automatic watering systems for potted plants when going on holidayTop up water levels in ponds and aquatic featuresAround the gardenDeadhead flowers of lady's mantleWater camelliasBuy bulbs for autumn plantingFlowersPick plums

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

condition - and you'll also save yourself some pennies when it comes to the annual service.Mow lawns and trim new edgesDig compost into borders to improve water retention Add copper rings to pots to protect plants from slugs and snailsAround the garden

garden hedgesAround the gardenTake cuttings from shrubsPrune out plain green shoots from variegated trees and shrubsCut lavender for drying when in full flowerFlowersHarvest onions sown last autumn for early cropsWater celery regularly in dry weather