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Prune spring-flowering shrubs Don't let your physocarpus or other spring-flowering shrubs become overgrown, woody and thin on flowers. Pruning out the stems that have bloomed this spring will keep your plants at a manageable size and will guarantee

an impressive spring display that will flower for weeks.Prune suckers away from the base of ornamental treesCollect watering equipment to store in the shedProtect glazed pots from frost damageAround the gardenPlant out spring beddingPot up tender perennials from

Plant bare-root rosesDreaming of the summer and a garden full of beautiful roses? Now's the time to plant them so that their roots establish well during the spring. Even newly planted roses will reward you with blooms in their first season

Pinch out fuchsias Ensure bushy growth and masses of flower, by pinching out the tips of fuchsia regularly. This encourages side shoots and strengthens the growth to support the weight of summer flowers. Pinch out three or four times from spring

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

pods that taste much better than any out-of-season beans in a supermarket.Plant tender crops outsideDig out perennial weedsWash dust off the foliage of houseplantsAround the gardenPlant up hanging basketsPlant out potted alliums to add interest

Remove blanket weed from pondsAround the gardenLift, divide and replant congested flag irises after floweringDeadhead border perennialsPick dead flowers off rhododendronsFlowersSow cabbages to pick as spring greensThin heavy crops of apples, pears

Forcing narcissiEnjoy an early scent of spring by forcing narcissi. The bulbs are in the shops from late-August and if planted immediately you can have them in flower by Christmas.Remove suckers from roses, shrubs and treesTrim box hedging

planted on their own in a rustic terracotta pot. It's a quick and easy job with stunning rewards in spring.Collect, wash and store away canes and plant supportsImprove drainage on compacted lawnsCut hedges to keep them neat, and control their size

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