Prune or shape spring flowering shrubs Deadhead any spent blooms (shrubs and perennials) Thin out overgrown perennials and bedding plants Apply fresh layer of mulch (shredded bark, aged compost or aged manure mix) Clip off blooms on annual herbs (like basil) which will force more growth into the plant Look for ants and other garden pests and treat if necessary Check your drip line to make sure it's working properly with no leaks Pull weeds so they don't go to seed (weed seed can lie in the soil for 3 to 5 years before germinating)