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or perennialsSpread a thick mulch of bark over the crown of tender plants, such as fuchsias, dahlias and cannasPrune summer-flowering clematis, cutting stems back to emerging buds close to soil level

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

Plant out dahlias into well-prepared soil that's been enriched with manureCut down pulmonarias to just above soil level after flowering to encourage new foliageClip box hedging and topiary to keep it neatRegularly tie tall stems of delphiniums

Prune summer-flowering clematis, cutting above a low pair of green budsCut out dead stems of ceratostigma and hardy fuchsiasPrune all stems of Hydrangea paniculata down to about three buds from soil levelPrepare areas in flowerbeds ready for sowing

Collect fallen leaves from under rose bushes so they don't carry diseases over to next yearLift and divide congested clumps of perennialsPlant crocuses and dwarf bulbs in areas of rough grassMake sure tall, late-flowering chrysanthemums are well staked

Check variegated shrubs for plain green shoots and prune them awayPlant out wallflowers, forget-me-nots, pansies and other spring beddingFork over vacant areas of soilDeadhead pansies regularly to keep the flowers comingPlant lily-of-the-valleyOrder hedging

to a length of about 20cmLift, divide and replant healthy portions of flag iris rhizomes into freshly prepared soil. Reduce their leaves by half to prevent wind rockWater sweet peas and give a liquid feed. Pick flowers or deadhead regularly

Summer prune wisteria, shortening all long wispy sideshoots back to about 20cmWater hydrangea bushes with a hydrangea colourant for true blue colour next summerTake clematis cuttings or layer new shoots by pegging them down into the soil to root

Plant gladioli in groups to depth of 10-15cm, planting onto gravel if you have heavy soilComplete outside sowings of hardy annual flowers Lightly clip box edging and topiary to neaten them upSpray new leaves on disease-prone roses with fungicide

Plant out container-grown roses and shrubsFork compost into flower beds to prepare soil for summer beddingTie in new growth on climbing plants, such as clematis, wisteria and honeysuckle, to supportsPick off faded flowers from camellias, azaleas