Search - Articles

to supports to prevent them flopping overScatter granular fertiliser around the base of roses, shrubs, perennials and hedges, and water in thoroughly if rain does not fall over the next week

branches breaking under its weightSpread a mulch of compost over borders and around trees, shrubs and rosesClean algae and moss from paths and stepsSprinkle a top dressing of gritty compost over lawns

Dig up congested clumps of winter aconites and transplant to new sitesImprove the soil the soil by spreading compost or manure over beds and forking inMove plants growing in the wrong placeDig deeply areas where you'll be planting new roses, shrubs

Clear faded growth of golden hops and annual climbers from pergolas and trellisPlant bare-root roses in well-prepared soilTransplant shrubs and conifers that have outgrown their positionCut down chrysanthemums to soil level after floweringMake leaf

Fix nesting boxes for birds to suitable trees around your gardenService petrol lawn mowers and power toolsKeep indoor azaleas well-watered with rainwaterMake fat cakes and hang them among roses to encourage bluetits to feed off overwintering pests

Spread a layer of manure or compost around roses and shrubsPrepare areas for laying new lawns in spring, digging over, weeding and enriching the soilBe on the look out for slugs and snails, which will attack emerging shoots of perennials

foliage. Height/spread 1.2m x 90cm.Corsican hellebore, Helleborus argutifoliusDespite its name, it's not that likely to flower for Christmas - more usually seen flowering from late-winter. Flowers are white, though sometimes flushed pink, and flat

Joe Swift demonstrates how to prune back honeysuckle, in the cottage garden at Berryfields.early AprilMore advice on pruning plantsPruning shrub roses video guidePruning viburnum plants, with advice from Chris BeardshawTips on pruning plants

Watch Monty Don's video demonstration of how to plant a yew hedge, with advice on drainage, planting distances and mulching.spring or autumnMore advice on plantingPlanting a bare-root rosePlanting a shrubBare-root plantingPlanting a bare-root tree

Dig out lawn weeds, such as daisies and dandelionsWatch out for greenfly and blackfly developing on shrubs, perennials and roses, and spray with a soft soap solution if infestations are badCollect hellebore seeds from ripe pods, and store