Jobs for April

HUNT for camellias (right), daphne, winter-blooming grevilleas, thryptomene and other shrubs to give you winter colour and scent, as well as primulas and pansies. PICK fat persimmons, chokos, Granny Smith and Lady Williams apples, Beurre Bosc pears and quinces to eat now and store over winter. ‘CURE’ your pumpkin crop by sitting them on a hot roof or concrete, stalk side up, so they toughen up and mould spores die and they won’t rot before you are ready to eat them right through the cold months. VOLUNTEER to rake up all the autumn leaves in your street: excellent free mulch for shrubs and vegie gardens, and even better exercise. ENVY everyone who has planted crepe myrtles, Easter daisies, the glowing red leaves of ornamental grapes.

Head to the garden centre to make sure your garden is as stunning next autumn.