•If you haven't got one already, install a water butt. For all of you out there that are on a water meter, you will know how much water costs so why not take advantage of this free resource. You'll be glad you did when the sun starts beating down on your prized specimens.

•Take advantage of any wet weather at this time of year by mulching your plants. Apply a thick layer (at least 2"/5cm) of bark chippings, compost, gravel, pebbles or even lawn mowings around the base of plants and on any bare soil. This will help conserve moisture, keep the weeds at bay and look decorative. When using bark or mowings, be careful to leave a space around the plants stems so they will not rot.

•Keep an eye out for pests. Greenfly have a habit of creeping up on you and breeding like wild-fire. If you see them on the new shoots of plants, simply rub them off with thumb and finger (wear gloves if you are squeamish!) or wash them off with a jet from a hosepipe. A little every now and then will keep them in check and save on costly chemical solutions later in the year.

•If you see a plant in the garden centre that you simply 'must have' - take some advice. Ask about what sort of soil it likes, where does it grow best before spending a fortune, ending up with something totally unsuitble and the plant never really does what you wanted it to.

•On a design note, take a look around your garden and decide what you like and what you don't like and do something about it - before we know it the weather will be warm and we will be wanting to sit outside to relax. If your garden is not relaxing then try a bit of de-cluttering. Try throwing out those old plastic pots and empty compost bags or get a small shed or lean-to store to hide them in. If that area of weedy grass underneath the tree refuses to look like a bowling green it may be time to bite the bullet and get rid of it.

Have a good garden...
Sharon