Hints & tips

ANIMAL CONTROL

If your garden borders a farm, leave a 2m mowing strip between the fenceline and the back of your borders. This gives easy access to the back of the border and stops animals chewing your beloved and expensive plants.

LINDA'S SPRAY FOR ROSES

Use a mix of milk and baking soda: 500ml trim milk, ½ teaspoon washing detergent, 1 heaped teaspoon baking soda and 4.5 litres warm water. This combats black spot and powdery mildew.

GET THE TIDY LOOK

If you’re expecting visitors, trim your edges. It sharpens the look, tidying instantly and distracts the eye away from unfinished tasks.

SPEND TIME

Linda likes a piece written years ago by British garden guru Monty Don about the virtues of pottering in the garden – even in a large garden, he said, it’s important to be able to potter in it.