So, with mid-summer nearly upon us (gosh, time flies), there are a number of tasks that we should be getting on with. Sometimes I get anxious about what needs to be done in the garden – and I have certainly set up a lot to do – but there is a simple method that may work.

Make a list – this is my list for my garden. Why not make your own for your own garden?

Creating new life

• Take cuttings from conifer hedges.
• Water new and young plants.
• Finish planting out summer bedding and start planting Autumn flowering bulbs.
• Transplant biennial seedlings.

Fruit

• Prune raspberries and currents, and remove old foliage from strawberries.

Maintaining the garden

• Continue weeding.
• Regularly feed and water plants in containers.
• Look out for pests and disease.
• Deadhead faded flowers, especially roses, to ensure repeat flowering.

Pruning (shrubs and trees)

• Prune Wisteria and shrubs that flowered early, for example, Choisya.
• Prune hedges. In particular, conifer hedges can be pruned now.
• Remove unwanted growth from trees.

Most important task

• Make sure that birds have some water, so you can watch them while sitting and enjoying your garden.