Multi-stemmed trees are becoming increasingly popular especially where space is limited. In most cases they are also ‘feathered’ (where they have branches from the base all the way up to the main stem). This provides a good screening effect, and in the case of small leaved trees such as silver birch, a very pleasing light dappled shade.

The practice of planting bulbs’ in the green’ is a very effective way of establishing smaller bulbs that are subject to drying out. Blue bells, snowdrops, winter aconites and wood anemones, all respond well to lifting just after the flowers have faded. Simply lift and divide clumps and replant into the desired location, and then dress with a little organic fertiliser (such as sheep pellets) to help them establish.

An alternative to wild flower meadows for those who prefer a little more colour is to mix several packets of hardy annual seed and broadcast into a prepared area, or where there are gaps in your borders. Choose a selection of your favourite annuals but make sure you select plants with different flowering times to give you a longer season. Mixing the seed together before you sow will not only make the sowing task a little easier but will result in a more natural display as the different growth rates, foliage and flower colour emerge. There are a number of pre mixed selections already available, providing broad colour themes from pastel shades to vibrant oranges Floral meadows are just as attractive to insects and wild fauna as native wild flowers, but give a more colourful display from the end of May until late October.

Why not install bug boxes or towers in your garden to encourage beneficial insects such as lacewings, butterflies and ladybirds. They also provide good areas for feeding, breeding and shelter.