GREEN-FINGERED Scots are getting out into their gardens in their droves as the weather heats up.
And it's the perfect time to start some essential maintenance in your outdoor space, making lawns and borders bloom for summer.
Gardening expert Marcus Eyles, who is the horticultural director at Dobbies, says there's loads of jobs to be done at this time of year.
But he also warned gardeners to be on the lookout for baby birds when they're sorting their bushes.
He said: "This is the time to trim buxus and evergreen hedges but remember to check for nesting birds and, if necessary, wait for late
fledglings to fly."
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Baby birds tend to start making appearances in gardens at this time of the year, and gardeners are asked not to interfere with nests.
Even if you spot them on your lawn, the RSPB says fledglings are extremely unlikely to be abandoned by their parents - they are probably just away collecting food - so always leave them where they are.
Removing a fledgling from the wild reduces its chances of long-term survival so only ever approach if it's obviously injured.
If you want to make your outdoor space attractive for wildlife, Marcus reckons there's a some simple changes you can make.
He said: "To encourage a habitat for birds one of our bird baths is a great source of water and a place for birds to cool off in summer."
How you cut your lawn can also make a difference.
Marcus added: "For a more wildlife friendly lawn let your grass grow and the wildflowers will bloom to support pollinating insects."
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