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Planting, pest control and pruning; get ready for a busy long weekend says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

1.It is warm enough to give your evergreens a trim, either using shears to shape small-leaved varieties such as box, or secateurs, for larger-leaved plants, which are cut back to a healthy pair of buds. Remove any signs of all-green reversion, see inset picture, from variegated types.

2.Create instant colour by planting up baskets or patio containers with cheerful summer bedding. Ideally use peat-free compost enriched with granular fertiliser. Water-retaining granules are another useful addition to help reduce the amount of watering needed.

3.Look after garden wildlife, providing them with fresh water and food every day especially during prolonged dry spells. I use Wildlife World bird and hedgehog food ( wildlifeworld.co.uk, 01666 505333) as it is natural, contains no sugar and is packed with nutrients and protein.

4.Earlier in spring I used Mo Bacter Moss Remover, an organic product that is safe to use around children, pets and wildlife, on my garden moss. It vanquished the moss and I am now feeding the lawn with Mo Bacter Recovery to encourage the grass to grow back. We are still in No Mow May, so leave your lawn (or a patch of it) to grow wild flowers to help pollinators and wildlife.