I start with goodbye, as this will be my last article in this spot.

I wanted to thank you for your support over the past four years and hope you have enjoyed reading my column as much as I have writing it.

But I wouldn’t want you idling so as we enter one of the busiest times in the gardening calendar I leave you with a few jobs to tackle in the forthcoming weeks.

Install water butts

I know it’s hard to think we may be short of water at this time of year but it can easily happen, so get a couple of water butts installed now and you will be amazed how much water you will quickly collect from the roof of your house or any outbuildings.

Rainwater is especially good for watering ericaceous plants such as rhododendrons, blueberries and camellias.

Get the lawn in order

Remove any winter debris, giving it a first cut on a dry day with the blades set high, re-establish edges with a half moon and applying a moss killer.

Have a go at growing your own.

For a few pounds and 10 minutes of your time! Sow a few seeds of your favourite flowers, veg or herbs in a tray of moist compost and leave somewhere warm and light.

Before you know it you will have a tray of your favourite summer bedding flowers to pop wherever you want for a fraction of the cost of buying them fully grown and fresh produce at your finger tips to be able to prepare a meal without even having to pop to the shops!

Attract the wildlife

Bird boxes, feeding stations and insect hotels will all help bring in the birds and insects to aid pollination in your garden.

Keep them coming by planting their, and probably your, favourite flowers including: hebe; sedum; heather; foxgloves; buddleia; allium; scabious and pulmonaria.

Create a space for you to sit

To enjoy the fruits of your labour create a secluded seating area by installing arches and pergolas which can be covered with climbers.

Avoid Virginia creeper and wisteria if space is limited using clematis, sweet smelling jasmine and honeysuckle instead.

A perching place for you to have a moment to sit and view the fruits of your labour.

Happy Gardening