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the affected parts. In a few cases genetic mutation is the cause, and the deformity will be permanent.delphiniums, forsythias, lilies, primulas and other plantsspring, summer, autumn, winterCommon problems affecting plantsReversionMagnesium deficiencyRose rustTulip

to an attack. Clear away leaf debris lying on the ground around the plants. Take care not to damage leaves and stems unnecessarily.irisesspring, summer, autumnCommon fungal problems affecting plantsRustRhododendron leaf spotTulip firePrimula leaf spot

of tulipsSow hardy annual flowers directly into bedsFlowersSow sweetcorn in deep modular seed traysFeed fruit trees and bushesPlant out onion sets grown in pots under glassFruit & vegBuy plug plants and young bedding plantsThin out heavy fruit sets

Cut the foliage of daffodils and tulips down to the groundFlowersPlant out leeks and brassicas raised in a seed bedSpread mulch around crops to conserve soil moistureNet developing soft fruits to protect them from birdsFruit & vegTie greenhouse tomatoes

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

and ceramic pots that aren't frost-proof Order farmyard manure or mushroom compost Around the gardenPlant heathers and trailing ivy in pots for winter colourCut down faded stems on rudbeckia and Shasta daisiesFinish planting tulips as soon as possible

heapBuy tulip bulbs as soon as you find them but hold back from planting until late October-NovemberDig up gladioli corms after flowering to store until next springCollect seeds, lay them out to dry, then store them in labelled envelopesPrune rambling

20,000 — so I try to visit as many of them as possible at this time of year. This is partly to see the fruits of all that labour, but also to make notes ready for the next planting season in autumn. Generally, as my family will happily tell you, I am

Cut late-summer-flowering clematis right down to soil levelDivide congested clumps of perennials such as asters, campanulas, rudbeckias and chrysanthemums after floweringPlant bare-rooted rosesDig up and compost exhausted summer beddingPlant out

. On Thursday I'm with the twinkling Chris Beardshaw, on Friday with earthy Monty Don and on Saturday and Sunday with gingery Joe Swift. If you're looking for somewhere to go this coming weekend (10-11 May) please come along and say 'hello'.I'm already looking