Aphids will start to colonise roses, the most organic way of eradicating aphids is by rubbing them off or by hosing them, and hopefully this will avoid the use of pesticides.

If you didn’t get time to trim back winter flowering heathers do so now. Cut back the old flowering stems, this will give space for the fresher new growth to come through, and prevents the plants from getting leggy.

As clematis put on new growth provide them with some support by tying them on to the trellis or frame until they get a hold.

Dahlia tubers that have been newly bought or stored over the winter can now be replanted into the borders. Prepare the soil well as dahlias need plenty of compost dug into the soil, you could also incorporate an organic fertilizer (i.e. bone meal). Also consider inserting stakes now to provide support for the plants. Remember to plant the dahlia tubers around 7-8cm or 3 inches deep.