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that are still viable. (iv) Plant the seeds that my very efficient wife has ordered. (v) Divide grasses and some herbaceous plants. (vi) Prune and tie back climbing roses. (vii) Cut back willows and dogwoods - although this can wait a bit. (viii) Plant bare

, and this is given its own tall vertical cane for support. Don't let plants scramble and make their own way to the top, but snip off every tendril you discover (almost a daily job) and attach shoots to canes with special ties, or wire rings. Any tendrils left

Captivating containersContainers offer the gardener great versatility, and are a fantastic way to experiment with planting and design.Container planting recipesGardening with containers is something I've always enjoyed. They provide some of the most

the level again, making sure that the corners are at right angles.Insert a metal tie into the mortar to join the inner wall to the longer wall, giving the finished structure added strength.Start laying the extra courses of bricks, starting at the corners

-fruiting raspberries do need staking: tie them to a fence or wires or they will flail about.We used to grow both kinds on our last plot, but since we now have a large strawberry bed, the first half of summer is well provided for. Half of our raspberry bed contains

in the sun for a few days.July: Harvest remaining softneck types and leave to dry.  Harvest hard neck types planted in spring as stems flop over.August: Try plaiting or tying garlic into bunches (grapping).One fact I learned from Colin Boswell, who runs

of chicken wire is quite expensive.A good alternative is to save large compost bags during the year and fill these with moist autumn leaves. I then tie their tops to prevent the contents drying out, punch a few small holes in the sides, and stack them out

the plant stems moist and prolong the life of the wreath, as well as give it more of a bulky appearance. You can also buy, or make, beautiful willow wreath bases, which last for years and can simply be brought out in autumn and dressed accordingly. I aspire

Unlocking the power of plants A herb garden is not only a place of beauty, it's also a medicine chest, holding remedies to many ailments. Discover the healing properties of the herbs in your garden.Find out how to... grow garlicUntil the 17th

interest and an instant snack for birds.Install a bird bath, where birds can drink and clean their feathers - essential for insulationBirdsFrogs, toads and newts overwinter in log and leaf piles, or beneath stones and plant pots. Some rest in the mud