Snowdrops make the long winter months bearable. Planted in huge drifts of white or even in pots snowdrops provide a flurry of pure joy. This article provides inspiration on how to grow them in the garden and how to look after them in pots.
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.