Still in the garden …

In the rush to get all the presents we can be forgiven for forgetting about the outside but spare a thought for your hard earned plants and their needs over winter.

These days, it isn’t fashionable to cut and tidy everything in autumn. Better to leave seedheads on plants for birds. They also look rather pretty with a fine dusting of snow!

However, here are some things that should be done….

1. Scoop up leaves for the compost.

2. Tender plants in containers should be brought indoors if possible. If that is not an option, tie bubble wrap around the pots and horticultural fleece around the plant. Cluster pots together for added protection against frost. Move top heavy potted plants to somewhere they cannot fall over.

3. Fork your lawn to improve drainage.

4. If you want to order cheaper bare root plants, these can be planted now provided the ground is neither too soggy or too frozen.

5. Plant up some cheerful evergreen shrubs in containers for winter colour. I am loving holly lollipops right now with their lovely red berries. Other contenders are Skimmia and Cyclamen.

6. Plant any remaining Tulip bulbs.

7. Plant raspberry canes.

8. Collect berry sprigs and conifer branches for making Christmas wreaths.

9. Open the greenhouse to ventilate on sunny days.

10. Start planning your garden projects for next year and beat the spring rush!

Jo Manfredi-Hamer is the founder of Jo Manfredi-Hamer Garden Design