In the tropics

Prune spring-flowering shrubs, such as mussaenda, bottlebrush, grevillea and angel’s trumpets (above), and use the prunings to propagate new plants

Collect and bin any rust-affected leaves under frangipani trees

Stop snails and slugs in their tracks on nighttime patrols during wet periods

Pick up fallen mangoes to avoid attracting pests to the rotting fruit

Plant okra seedlings in soil enriched with compost, and feed regularly

Fertilise ornamental gingers with chicken manure pellets, water them deeply and mulch well

Hunt for grasshoppers in the early morning when these chewing garden pests have slower reactions

Trim rampant shoots on tropical climbers, such as allamanda, bougainvillea, Rangoon creeper and jade vine (Strongylodon macrobotrys)

Set up fine-meshed netting to protect lychees and rambutans that are ripening from birds and bats

Pick flowering stems of the brightly coloured heliconia (left), and enjoy them inside in a vase

Q I RECENTLY FOUND THESE ON MY ROSE. ARE THEY GOOD OR BAD BUGS?

Sue Piecyk, Mornington, Vic

I AM SO THRILLED WITH THE TWO WARATAHS IN OUR GARDEN THAT I HAD TO SHARE A PHOTO. THIS IS OUR FIRST SPRING HERE AT OUR COTTAGE IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS, AND IT’S A WONDERLAND!