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out of the ground when dormant. They weigh less and require less maintenance than container-grown plants, so are therefore cheaper. Bargains are to be had at garden centres and nurseries between now and March, so if you’re planning on growing a hedge

and cherry laurel, but against one hoarding is a mass of ivy and it’s still in flower.Ivy is a very important late nectar source for all sorts. The bush is ablaze and abuzz with insects. Twenty or more red admirals and small tortoiseshells vie with countless

  - and politely bossy signage - whereas here the brassicas are in large pots with ivies (this time without the chrysanthemums, which some might consider a blessing). Those of you with long memories might recall my writing about the American penchant for bedding

with cineraria, cyclamen and ivy.Making a Christmas wreath.

.More spring container displaysCreate a spring display of brunnera, foamflower and dicentra.Save space by layering spring bulbs in a pot.Plant a spring display of daisies and ivy.

Shade can be a nightmare if your heart is set on growing summer bedding, fruit and veg, or Mediterranean plants, which need direct sun to flourish. But there are plenty of beautiful plants which thrive in shady conditions.Many people imagine

and hoverflies are still on the wing, foraging for food. Nectar provides insects with energy to fly and builds them up for winter hibernation. By growing just one source of nectar-rich food, you can improve these insects' chances of surviving the cold months

was the best sun in ages and these lovely bugs have started to appear, just as they always do at this time of year, sunning themselves on the south-facing fence, and the leaves of the ivy growing all over it. They won't stay that colour for long, and I expect

concealed. The tricky bit is that anything I plant has to fit in with the surrounding landscape. If you look around, most native woodland is a bit short of evergreen—there might be some ivy climbing up a tree or the occasional yew.  If you suddenly start

flowers for sustenance, and flowers need bees for pollination. But it's important the flowers you grow provide the food bees need.Most double flowers are of little use, because they're too elaborate. Some are bred without male and female parts, while