The Shed of the Year competition is back for its fourth consecutive year. Celebrating the uniquely British love of all things shed, you are invited to send in pictures of your garden gaff by the closing date of May 17, be it a miniature palace, beach hut or old-style pub (such as Dot’s Docket, above).

A panel of judges including Radio 2 DJ Simon Mayo and television property expert Sarah Beeny will vote for the winner, who will be announced in July and will receive a cheque for £1,000 together with products from the sponsors, the Cuprinol Wood Preservation Society. The coming week is National Beanpole Week, a seven-day celebration of Britain’s coppiced woodlands and the products – such as beanpoles – that come from them. With the staking season upon us, now is the time to source local, sustainable wood products.

The wild orchid season has begun, but knowing where to see them growing in the wild can be a real challenge. That’s why the Wildlife Trust has produced a handy online guide, 40 Places to see Orchids. The list names sites around the country where it is possible to see these beautiful plants in their natural habitats, from now until the end of the season in August.