To prevent tall stems falling over and snapping with the weight of their flowers, use canes, pea sticks or twigs as a framework to support the weight.

As plants begin to grow more quickly, they will need regular watering and feeding.

If a slow release fertilizer hasn’t been applied, it is advisable to use a liquid feed to nourish plants. It can be applied with a watering can, or if applying as a foliar feed, with a garden sprayer.

Feeding is essential for plant health and vigour.

To maintain the shape of an evergreen edge, trim regularly, but only when the hedge is in the growing phase.

When you’re using shears, always remember to wipe hem clean after use and sharpen when necessary. If you have a corded hedge trimmer, watch out for the cord!!!

Shrubs such as Philadelphus, Kerria and Weigela need pruning after flowering to promote a busy habit.

Cut the stem down to just below the faded flowers.

Magnolias do not like being heavily pruned so just remove a few stems at the base if the plant is becoming too large. Cutting back the top growth will create an excess of leafy growth.

Trim this year’s growth on pyracantha bushes to create flowering wood, and consequently berries.

You should be cutting the lawn once a week now. If you have problems with weeds and moss, apply a lawn treatment which contains mosskiller, lawn feed and weedkiller when the soil is moist and the grass is dry. As the moss dies it turns black and can be removed using a spring tined rake, or mechanical scarifier.

To create shade and cooler temperatures, apply a liquid shading paint to the glass. If you prefer, dense netting on the inside of the glass will have the same effect.