TO DO LIST

Cut the canes of autumn-fruiting raspberries, above, down to a few inches above soil level, then mulch generously. Feed when new growth appears in mid-to-late spring.

Check containers of hardy plants, bulbs and early spring bedding close to the house, and water sparingly if the compost seems dry.

Prune your clematis, right, Consult any labels to check their precise needs, but in general cut the twiggy growths of largeflowered hybrid varieties in the ‘Jackmanii’ group back to four to six inches above ground level.