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Growing helleboresA must-have for the winter garden, hardy hellebores flower from late-winter to early spring. They also make great cut flowers - simply snip off flower heads and float in a shallow bowl of water.There are many varieties of hellebore

Carol Klein explains how to hand-pollinate hellebores and guides you through the process, offering practical tips and advice.springMore advice on propagating plantsCarol Klein demonstrates how to cross-pollinate daffodils.Collecting allium seeds

to the garden when the container is past its best - they will grow for years to comeFor extra protection against the cold, line metal containers with bubblewrap. It will help prevent compost from freezingMore winter plant projectsPlant up a snowdrop

Creating unique hellebores from your favourite varieties is much easier than it sounds. If you decide to grow your own plants the only important requirements are two really good hellebores and a lot of patience. If your varieties are mediocre

with low-growing stems can be propagated by layering, such as honeysuckle, mock orange (Philadelphus), rhododendron, magnolia and forsythiaDig up and divide clumps of winter aconitesPlant new shrubs and hardy perennialsCut away old foliage on Christmas

, the young shoots need clipping two or three times during the growing season. Dig out lawn weeds, such as daisies and dandelions Watch out for greenfly and blackfly on developing plantsCollect hellebore seeds from ripe podsAround the gardenPlant out

More information on plants for small gardensDividing snowdropsHand-pollinating helleboresPlanting out lettucesGrowing wildlife-friendly plants

will do.More winter plant projectsPlant up a hellebore and carex pot displayCreating a winter display of aster and ornamental cabbageGrowing pansies for winter colour

AstilbesAstrantiasBegoniasCrocosmiasEuphorbiasFernsFuchsiasGrassesHardy geraniumsHelleboresHydrangeasJapanese anemonesLady's mantleLavendersLilium henryiPelargoniumsPenstemonsRosesSedums20 top slug-beatersDon't overfeed young plants in spring, as this only encourages soft growth, which slugs love to eat.Top tips for foiling

of the soil. Plants suitable for dry shade include:lords and ladies, barrenwort, cranesbill geraniums (left), hellebores, masterwort,Viola labradorica,sweet rocket and mourning widow.Dry shadePlants that will grow in these conditions typically suit boggy areas