Head gardener at Trewithen Gardens, Gary Long, provides you with his top tips for trees and shrubs in spring and early summer:

1. Mulch using organic matter to help prevent weeds and retain moisture.
2. Feed trees, shrubs and roses with a balanced fertilizer such as Growmore or blood fish and bone. With Rhododendron pay attention NOT to mulch right up the stem/trunk. This could kill the plant, leave at least a 10 cm (4") gap.
3. Check tree ties regularly to make sure they are not too tight and digging in or worked loose over the winter.
4. Keep weeds under control, little and often is the key.
5. Tie in climbing and rambling roses, making sure the stem is bent around the support to increase the chance of new shoots producing flowers lower down the stem.

Lawn care:

1. Mow regularly lowering the height of cut gradually to the summer height.
2. If composting clippings, spread in thin layers to speed up the composting process.
3. Use "feed and weed" products to eliminate weeds and encourage lush new green growth.
4. Edge lawns with either shears or a "Half moon".