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that in my lifetime so many of our native wildflowers and herbs have become endangered. They are now protected; it is illegal to pick or dig up any wild plant. However, it is heartening that with the increase in more sympathetic farming practices

the country and it will really make a difference. And my reward, apart from doing my bit, is lovely compost to dig in and improve my soil.

by training a young tree for many, many years. Actually it is simpler to dig up a larger tree and slowly reduce its size, sculpting its branches until it's roots fit into a shallow dish. The most remarkable story I heard (though I'm sure there are many others

yellowed look on the leaves makes me think "get them out quick!" I acted quickly last year, cutting and disposing of the haulms and digging up the potatoes before the blight spread to them. I saved nearly my entire crop so I don't think I'll hang about

. Although I can get a bit tied up in the corner that's riddled with couch grass - you can keep on digging and finding more and more of those long white stolons - in the end you just have to stop and say 'no more'. At least for now...

? I have to crawl over it on my hands and knees a couple of times a year, digging out the worst offenders, then filling in holes with compost and a pinch of grass seed.The grass nearly wins this battle, but lawn weeds add colour and interest. It's all

, and find those handy bits of cane or wire should I ever need them.I know I’ll feel better once the job is done, and then I could perhaps set about emptying out the compost bins, finishing the winter digging and tidying up behind the greenhouse. Just one

I have a confession to make: I haven't been up to the plot for a week or so and, what's more I can't see me getting up there for the next week or two either... I know it's the right time of year to get on top of digging, manuring and tidying

from plants. Clearing it from the car and drive was hard enough!Freezing and thawing does play a part in breaking down heavy clay soils. This is one reason why it's recommended to roughly dig over areas in autumn and leave the surface with big clods

an equal giant brought to me by a small child. 'These don't bite' I announced, as it bit me. Unlike the woodlouse spider, Dysdera crocata, it didn't hurt. We could clearly see the fangs digging into the skin of my finger tips, but either they were not long