Reading a plant catalogue is like the bit in the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy is transported from black and white Kansas to technicolour Oz. I unwrap the catalogues and the colour floods in. My imagination sparks and I'm out in the garden planning for next year.
A snowdrop called Three Ships, a Christmas Rose and a witch hazel with a fire-light glow in the woodland - the garden is still giving at Christmas time.
Autumn and winter are perfect times to plant or move dormant shrubs. They look unpromising for now but come summer, I'll be glad I made the effort.
My favourite houseplants for high impact - trailing from shelves or with huge shiny leaves, or with colourful flowers and patterned leaves.
A heavy frost on Friday morning has shown the garden off in sparkle and shine. This week I admire some iced plants and protect my bananas in the nick of time.
A neon purple Salvia, a plucky pond plant and a cuddly cotoneaster are showing off this week. I'm also featuring a very early narcissus and a cornus ablaze with late red and orange.
I've been letting loose with secateurs this week, buying conifers and dreaming of loganberry jam.
Garden tasks don't stop winter approaches. This week I protect alpines, consider how to protect bananas and prepare for tulip planting.
Inclement weather approaches but here are some lucky plants getting ready to spend the winter under glass.