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, tie in the new growth when it has reached 10cm - 15cm in length. This will hold the shoot in place until the wood develops to stiffen it.When using string or garden twine, wind it once or twice tightly around the support and knot in place. Then wrap

roses by placing poles around the plants and tying stems to them. Train compact climbers and ramblers up pergola poles, vertical pillars or an obelisk. Standard roses also need supporting. Replace the original cane with a stronger stake and use tree ties

out in Junesummeran hourSpanish flag, Ipomoea lobata x1Canary creeper, Tropaeolum peregrinum x1Bidens ferulifolia 'Golden Eye' x3Lysimachia punctata 'Gaulthier Brousse'44cm square tub1.2m willow wig-wamJohn Innes No.3 compostMulti-purpose compostPlant

-purpose compost, to ensure a balanced potting mix.Make a hole in the centre of the compost, remove climbers from their pots and plant 15cm apart. Firm the compost around the climbers, making sure there are no air pockets around the rootballs.Place the willow

. Dahlia plantSticks or canesStringJune - August15 minutesJuly - SeptemberCheck dahlias each week; if they're starting to flop tie the main stem to a supporting cane or stick with garden string. Don't tie the string too loosely, but allow a little room

ones can be hidden by the foliage in just a few weeks. Pea sticks, bamboo canes, tripods or plant supportsSoft string or plant tiesApril - June (or as required) 30 minutes Twiggy stems that have been pruned from shrubs in winter make ideal 'pea sticks

them. The tree trunks were severely constricted. When I planted them, the ties seemed huge for the small trunks. I’ve checked them sporadically over the years and always found the trunks had enough space, but I obviously hadn’t been checking them

bulbsDeadhead pansies regularlyPlant lily-of-the-valleyTie string or wire around conifers and yew to prevent heavy snow damaging branchesFill empty containers with winter heathers and trailing ivyFirm soil around roses loosened by stormsReplace wobbly

Prune the tops of standard roses to reduce wind rockKeep off lawns in frosty weather or if very wetPrune wisteria, shortening sideshoots to 10-15cm from their baseCheck tree ties are secureOrder dahlias, gladioli and other summer-flowering bulbsTie in the stems

Spread a compost mulch around border plants to suppress weedsPut pond pumps and fountains back into pools, thoroughly cleaning filters firstLay turf or sow new lawns from seedClean out bird baths and top up with fresh waterCheck tree ties