Flowers

To have wonderful flowers summer plants need a bit of pampering to get the most from them. Regular watering is essential, especially in the early stages when the plants are establishing a root system. In the absence of rain, a thorough watering twice a week is generally sufficient for the plants in the ground, but those in containers may need a daily soaking if the weather is hot and dry. Early evening is the best time for this as less water will evaporate from the compost in the cooler night temperatures.

It is also vital to feed regularly - this helps produce healthier plants and lots more blooms, so it's well worth the effort.

The other weekly chore is dead heading. Most varieties of plants will do their best to produce seed, this diverts the plants energy from budding to seed production and it will, after a while, virtually stop budding. So as soon as you notice fading blooms pinch them off at the base of the stalk.

Spring plants need less attention than summer plants. They are generally planted in autumn and need only occasional watering. As the weather warms up in the spring water them if it's dry and feed then at fortnightly intervals.

• Fuchsias
• Geraniums
• Roses