Help me to create a wonder wall dream

I’m limited on garden space. Can I plant on the outside walls of my house? Ahmed, London

David: Yes, it’s great for adding another dimension to the garden. Create a living wall or put climbers and vines into containers or planters along it.

But remember to water well because they won’t necessarily get as much rainfall, especially if your house has eaves. any moss and green growth that’s sprouted on garden paths will stop surfaces turning into an ice rink.

Rid paths of this build up with a putty knife, weed-killer and some good old-fashioned elbow grease, it’ll work wonders. On crisp mornings, take the time to stretch and wake up your muscles before launching into jobs like this – warmed up muscles have a much lower risk of strain.

TOOLS

Take a moment to ponder your posture before getting started and remember to let the tool do the work.

The garden spade is a multiuse tool, with three handy uses rolled into one: a handle (lever), a cutting blade on the edge, and a head to lift soil.

The pointed shovel is best for scooping like a spoon while the flat edge of the spade works for general use. You’ll get most leverage from a longer handle and this means less force is required to pry out the soil.

Try to keep your knees bent and back straight, allowing your arms and biceps to take the lead.

Bad technique could increase the load by 50 per cent.

When raking, keep the handle close to your body with one hand at the end of the handle and the other kept at waist level. Shift your weight back and forth using your shoulder and bicep muscles to wield the tool – spring tine rakes, with their angled head, are best for leverage.

Take a break every 15 minutes when you’re working up a sweat, for a chance to stretch out weary limbs