Mulch bare soil.
Start by weeding and tidying the soil before adding organic matter in the form of well rotted manure, garden compost or bark chips.
This will help retain water and save you time in the hotter months to come. It is especially important to mulch around non established trees, shrubs and perennials that have recently been planted. These plants should never be left short of water in their first year.
If the soil is dry, water it well before applying your mulch.
A mulch will also help to suppress weeds.
Mow lawns regularly.
The lawn should be growing steadily by now. Regular cuts will keep it looking good.
Your first cut of the year should be done with the mower blades at their highest setting, gradually lowering them throughout the season.
Plant and prune climbers.
New climbers should now be planted.
Choose from many varieties of clematis, jasmine, honeysuckle, ivy and wisteria to name a few.
Make sure you provide some support for them to climb up such as trellis, wires or even make use of a dead tree!
Existing overgrown climbers can now be pruned before they fully start to grow again.
Take out any dead or congested growth. Honeysuckle, ivy and jasmine can be cut hard back.
