If you have young fruit trees, check that the combined weight of the fruit does not pull down any branches, as this could cause them to snap. To support lots of heavily laden boughs on one tree,secure a strong wooden pole vertically alongside the trunk, so it stands a little higher than the top of the tree. Tie the branches in place with lengths of rope fastened to the pole’s tip. Or prop up individual branches from below, using wooden stakes with a V-shaped notch cut into the supporting end.

Trim the stems of the rock rose, Helianthemum nummularium, once it has finished flowering. This will encourage the production of healthy, compact new growth and a second flush in late summer and early autumn. A delightful rockery perennial, producing saucer-shaped white, orange, pink, yellow or red flowers in early to midsummer, it prefers a sheltered, sunny spot and a light, welldrained soil.

Submerged oxygenating plants in the garden pond can grow at a tremendous rate in summer, so thin them out from time to time. Pull the leafy clumps from the water and drape them over the sides of the pond. Leave for a couple of days, so any trapped aquatic wildlife can return to the water. Afterwards, mix the spent plant material into the compost heap.

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