Things to do this month

Mulch: Ensure you take all the leaves that have fallen from your trees in winter and spread them in your flower beds. Mulching prevents water loss, adds nutrients to the soil and prevents weed growth. It is a simple process that is Mother Nature’s best way of adding to and improving your soil quality.

Prune: Prune shrubs and trees that are overgrown or finished flowering for this season. Pruning stimulates growth and now is the time to cut back those overgrown shrubs and allow these plants to produce a new flush of growth for summer.

Pest control: Check your shrubs for insects, in particular scale insects that attack the old unhealthy parts of the plant. Remove those parts of the plants that are infected and allow the dormant buds to initiate a new flush of growth for summer. Always monitor your plants for insects as we move into summer. If you need to spray, then use a natural product that does not damage the environment or kill off beneficial insects.

Go for a walk: It is good for the soul.