Major plant nuisances, originating from seed-eating birds are ivy, privet, nettle trees, pyracantha and cotoneaster.

Weeds in gravel paths or cracks between paving are not a good look.

Though herbicides will eliminate unwanted plant growth there are several preferred natural alternatives.

Few plants can survive boiling water and sufficient quantities of either lime, or vinegar, which will make the soil either so alkaline or acid that plants cannot grow. 

Buy nursery shrubs in bud rather than full bloom, then enjoy the display for longer.

Some to consider include azaleas, banksia, camellias, euphorbia, forsythia, grevillea,  kalmia, lavender, osteospermum,  pieris, rhododendron, spiraea and viburnum.

In the vegetable plot, sow seeds of beetroot, mesclun, radish, carrots, parsnips, rocket, sweet corn and potatoes.

Grow potted seedlings of basil and tomatoes, squash, zucchini, pumpkin, cucumber and baby melons (with frost protection if necessary).

Set out celery, leeks, lettuce, parsley, silverbeet and spring onions.