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't be simpler or cheaper to create. Just use Christmas tree branches trimmed from the base of a tree, greenery gathered from your garden and a set of lights. We used pittosporum, miscanthus, ivy seed heads and a couple of phormium leaves.DecemberWinteran hour

Monty Don plants up a ceonuthus, sharing his tips for good drainage and adding extra energy for the plant roots.spring or autumnMore planting advicePlanting a shrubPlanting a small treePlanting outdoorsVideo demonstration of Planting a bare root

plantsall year roundMore common garden pestsAphidsFlea beetleEuonymus scaleWhitefly

Magnesium is needed to give leaves their green colour, so when there's a deficiency, yellow breaks through between the veins and around the leaf edges instead. Other colours, such as purple, brown or red, might also appear. Older leaves suffer first, and will die if they're not g...

Shrubs and perennials planted permanently in containers need good quality compost if they are to survive for more than a couple of years. The addition of loam-based compost such as John Innes no.3 will retain a good open structure for plant roots

Box always looks smart in a container but it's not the only shrub that can be clipped into shape. Myrtle is an excellent evergreen alternative. Faintly aromatic and with lovely white flowers in spring, it looks stunning from June to August, softened

with gritty loam-based compost and sow the seeds evenly across the surface.Sprinkle a layer of compost over the seeds, water, then stand the pot in a cold frame or sheltered place in the garden. Keep it watered and protect it from birds.AdamMake sure berries

Hardwood cuttings are taken from woody perennials e.g. forsythia, cornus and willow in autumn and winter. They can take several months to produce roots, so leave them for a year before lifting and potting up or transplanting.SecateursSpadeSharp sand or gritHormone rooting powder ...

A shady garden might seem like a challenge, but in reality there's a huge range of plants suitable for growing in dark places. This container display is made using a boldselection of plants, combining different leaf forms, colours and textures

Carol Klein explains how to create the optimum soil conditions for growing camellias.With hints on environmentally friendly, acidic soil conditioners and guidance on spotting garden pest and signs of ill health, Carol offers a comprehensive guide