It’s time to head outside into the garden as there’s plenty to do and Garden Centres to visit to choose plants and seedlings that will bring new life and colour to your plot during the coming seasons.

Start by preparing the soil for the growing season by clearing weeds then forking over lightly before adding good quality compost and fertiliser. Overcrowded perennials like Agapanthus, Dietes, Canna and Bulbinella can be divided now and replanted around the borders. prune late Winter, Spring and early Summer flowering shrubs and climbers as soon as they finish flowering.

As the temperature warms, start sowing and planting out seedlings of Marigolds, Zinnias, Nasturtiums, Cosmos, Verbena, Gazania, Aquilegias, Salvias, Portulaca, Cleomes, Phlox and Snapdragons for a glorious display of Summer blooms. Climbers like Jasmine and Clematis can also be planted in September.

If you haven’t already planted Summer flowering bulbs there’s still time to pop a few into the flower borders. Tiger Lilies, Liatras and Watsonias have fabulous statement blooms. Shrubs planted now will soon settle into the garden. Try Choisya (Mexican Orange Blossom) with its beautifully scented flowers, Philadelphus, Deutzia and Weigela.

Adding some extra compost to the planting hole will give the shrub a good start. Check containers for roots appearing from drainage holes, a sure sign the plant has outgrown the container and needs to be repotted into a size larger container. Use fresh good quality compost , add some slow-release fertiliser and water well. Keep on top of weeds, which will rapidly spread and also be prepared for an attack from slimy invaders, slugs and snails, on the scent of any tender green shoots and plants.

Aphids also love the new, soft growth on roses so keep checking the underside of leaves and spray with a homemade insect deterrent of water mixed with a little washing up liquid.