If you live in south Warwickshire, chances are you’ve heard of the gorgeous serene retreat that is Hill Close Gardens. They were founded back in 1845 on a hillside overlooking Warwick Racecourse to offer a green space to people without a garden, but by the early 1990s most had been sold for development. After being recognised as one of only four remaining Victorian Gardens across the country a trust was set up to manage the rest of the site, with restoration work beginning on the land. Now they’ve been lovingly returned to their former glory by Neil and his team of staff and volunteers, and are ready for visiting again. If you feel inspired, you can even pick up plants to head home with, plus go at the weekends and the tea room is open with its superb offering of cakes.

But back to your plot, and who better to guide us through how to get it looking tip top ahead of summer than Neil himself. Take it away Neil…

Stop neglecting the greenhouse

If you haven’t yet it’s time to clean the greenhouse. As well as allowing more light through it also helps clear out any pests harbouring on staging and other nooks and crannies.

Think ahead

Watering and weeding are a staple job now and especially if you still have smaller seedlings in pots and modules. These will dry out quick so keep your eye on them and move into the shade if it gets very warm. The days are getting warmer so this is when we set up our automatic irrigation, something worth considering if you’re planning holidays away. Make sure it covers all the plants you need it to. Likewise, try and think ahead, sowing and planting basil and lettuce in advance so there’s plenty to fill your salad bowl when the sunny weather comes.

Watch out for the bugs

Pest numbers will be on the increase and it’s best to catch them early, so always make time to inspect plants. We increasingly use biological controls – predatory bugs (sound a bit scary, right?) – and these are always more effective when applied when there are fewer pests.

Leave hedges alone

Hedge cutting must be avoided now, except some light clipping to keep pathways open, but do a quick check there are no nesting birds first. Box hedges should be pruned, giving them a light trim to bring them back into shape.

Take cuttings ready for autumn – yes, really

This is the month we propagate from our chrysanthemum collection. Propagating now means the plants are looking at their best for August when peoples’ focus is turning to autumn colour. It’s easy to take cuttings from chrysanthemum – just cut shoots that are around pencil-thickness and around 10cm in length and insert into the edges of a pot with multi-purpose compost. Remember to keep out of full sun until roots have developed.

Outdoor jobs you need to do now – by one of Warwickshire’s top gardeners

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