Garden Work

Keep an eye on trees and shrubs that you planted in recent months: make sure they remain moist if there are dry spells. The buds on fruit trees may be vulnerable now to attack by birds - especially sparrows, finches and tits. Decking the trees with shiny, silvery foil or old CDs may scare them off. Alternatively you might lure them away with grated cheese, birdseed or peanuts. Take care with peanuts at this time of the year, as fledglings will soon be appearing. To prevent their being fed whole nuts and choking, serve peanuts in wire mesh holders (that allow only small pieces to be winkled out), or whiz them through the food processor.