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Plants that have thick, fleshy leaves, which enable them to store water and so survive very dry conditions. Almost all cacti are succulents.

The evaporation of water from a plant through the stomata of the leaves and stem. The rate of transpiration is determined by external factors, such as temperature, light and humidity.

As temperatures rise and summer sets in, give your container plants a little time and care. Water, feed and deadhead them regularly over the next few weeks and you can keep plants flowering and looking good right into autumn.Container plantsWatering

Trim hedges to keep them neat, then shred and compost the clippingsTop up compost or bark mulches around heathersHoe and hand weed bordersWater hanging baskets and patio containers regularlyPlace orders for bulbs to plant this autumnDeadhead flowers

frosts.My garden in East London hasn't seen rain since before Christmas. We've had snow, of course, and the promise of rain - dark clouds, even a thunder storm, but no water (we did have a two minute shower last Friday but it by the time I recognised

The process of rooting cuttings in water is an effective method of propagating many types of house plant. Once cuttings have developed a good root system, they can be potted up in compost. In addition to house plants, various tender perennials

large pots or binsWater pots of forced bulbs if their compost is dryWater plants sparingly taking care not to splash water aroundWash glazing inside and out to let in the maximum amount of lightInsulate greenhouses by fixing bubble polythene

Gradually lower the cutting height of your mower as grass growth increasesSpray roses showing signs of diseases such as blackspot, rust or powdery mildewApply a combined weed, feed and moss killer to your lawn if you think it needs itTop up water

Take cuttings of zonal and regal pelargoniums, and pot up rooted cuttings taken earlierTrain the main stem of cucumber plants up a wire to the roof of your greenhouse. Pinch out sideshoots two leaves after a flower or fruitWater plants in pots

Pick off leaves infected by rose blackspot or rose rust, and dispose of them in your dustbin and not on the compost heapSet up an automatic watering system with a drip nozzle for potted plants if you're going on holidayTop up water levels in ponds