■ Sow seeds of biennial flowers like honesty and Canterbury bells, which can be transplanted to their flowering position later in the year

■ Raise new plants of deciduous azalea, magnolia and other shrubs by layering low-growing shoots of young growth to soil level;

■ Continue tying flower spikes to canes on tall-growing perennials like delphiniums;

■ Pinch out the shoot tips of fuchsias in the greenhouse to encourage branching;

■ Dig out individual lawn weeds by hand;

■ As their roots grow keep potting on cuttings of chrysanthemums into larger pots in the greenhouse;

■ Apply long-lasting weedkiller to gravel paths and drives;

■ Remove green algae from ponds by twisting it onto a stick or rake, then add it to the compost heap;

■ Cover fruit cages with netting, or drape it over strawberries to keep birds off developing fruits.