Snip now and your flowers will thank you later as a small trim can work wonders, says Joe Swift

Remove the tall old stems of Russian sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia) to encourage strong new growth. Use secateurs to cut each stem to 15cm from ground level, which might seem drastic but will result

Work your way through your borders, removing dandelion flowerheads before they get the chance to set seed. Flowers of dandelions are a useful source of early nectar for pollinators but if they are abl

Spread a bulky mulch on top of the soil surface around the base of young apple trees to condition the soil, hold in moisture and suppress weeds. This will all help the tree to establish well. Use well

Give them a trim and feed so they’re ready for spring

Lucy highlights some of the most pressing jobs she’ll be tackling this fortnight