Must do jobs

Create a butterfly haven
It’s Save Our Butterflies week from 26th July, so why not create a butterfly paradise in your back garden? According to experts, native species are declining in numbers following three wet summers, yet it’s easy to make a difference to their conservation. Anyone with a garden, or even a window box, can attract butterflies and moths and provide them with plenty of fuel by choosing plants which produce lots of nectar. These plants are often hardy, perennial and easy to grow, and include bluebells, dandelions, primroses and pansies in the spring, and ivy, lavender, marjoram, mint and thyme later in the summer.

Create perfect pots
Whether you have a large patio area or simply a window sill which could do with a touch of summer, some bright, seasonal flowers are perfect for adding a splash of colour. Even if you’re not green fingered, it’s easy to buy some plants ready to be transferred into containers at home. And why not get creative and transform inexpensive planters into a work of art - if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try stencilling or painting pretty patterns on your pots?

Improve your sleep
Are you one of the 15 million hay fever sufferers in the UK? With warmer temperatures, pollen counts are now at a yearly high. Allergic reactions are one of the biggest contributions to lack of sleep, so if you or a family member suffers, it’s worth taking steps to reduce allergens at this time of year. Try to avoid drying clothes outside, especially nightwear, as pollen can become attached, and always shower before bed time to wash off any pollen on your skin or hair.

Let the light in
As the summer sun shines, are your windows showing the dirt and grimy build-up left over from the winter months? For a streak-free finish, try cleaning the outside of your window panes using vertical strokes, and then horizontal ones on the inside so it’s easy to spot which side a smudge is on.

Recycle water outdoors
During the hot summer months, the amount of water we use to keep our garden green can account for 70% of total household use. To reduce your water usage and be a bit kinder to the planet this month, try installing a water butt. Waterwise estimates that a massive 85,000 litres of rain fall on the average UK house each year. By collecting, restoring and recycling just a small amount of this it not only means you can water your plants, but it also helps to keep your soil pH neutral, as mains water tends to leave an alkaline-rich limescale deposit. And rather than installing a sprinkler, stick to a watering can which wastes less water.