Weekend Work: Time to pull up the goosegrass It is extraordinary how, at the slightest burst of warmth, even after a freezing night, crocuses turn themselves inside out to sunbathe. Even early flowers of Tulipa clusiana have flung themselves flat in abandon. It's a wonderful sight, when it happens. Unfortunately, weeds flourish too, especially goosegrass, which spreads at an alarming rate. Pull it up before it spreads. Last year I sowed the magnificent climber, Cobaea scandens, on the 25 March and made a note that sowing could have been a week earlier. So, for me, that is today's job. Set the seeds on edge, pushing each one into a small pot of compost. Wrapping each individual pot in clingfilm until the seeds emerge keeps the compost damp without further watering. Outdoor peaches and nectarines are coming into flower. If you feel that there are too few insects to pollinate the flowers, do it yourself. Rabbits' tails used to be favoured for this job and there's a wretched rabbit raiding the parsley whose tail I wouldn't mind using. But a paintbrush does just as well. What to see Fergus Garrett, the inspirational head gardener at Great Dixter, Northiam, East Sussex is running a study day in the garden on 26 March (10am-4pm). Preparing your border for spring and summer is the subject and the course costs £100. To book call 01797 254048 or visit greatdixter.co.uk/events.htm