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of the garden under piles of sticks and vegetation. They are unlikely to do any damage to healthy plants, but have clearly made a home in the soft centre of this plum tree. It's often said that plants flower well under some stress, and despite the obvious signs

of goodness). My favourite plant at this time of year is a magnificent Parthenocissus that covers an old building nearby.I like to go there every few days to watch the leaves change from deep green to pink and yellow and deep dark red. It is a truly

and have been fascinated by it ever since. It is not a friendly plant - in fact it is quite hostile when you get in close. The stubbly leaves can reach a diameter of about six feet and are supported by thick, thorny stems. The flowers are odd

. This will prevent air pockets from weakening the walls.When all the concrete mixture is in place, support the outer sides of the box with more bricks. Then cover the entire thing with a plastic sheet.After two days, when the concrete is set, remove the sheet

.But look how many plants are named after snow! Snow-themed cultivars include Alyssum 'Snowdrift'; Incarvillea delavayi 'Snowtop' and Leucanthemum x superbum 'Snowcap', though ironically, they all bloom in the summer. We've all heard of the snowdrop

A hazel-pole trellis is a beautiful way to show off your climbing plants. Simple to construct, it oozes rustic charm, adding interest to a drab wall or fence.1.8m hazel poles6mm sisal ropeAllow about 7 poles and 75cm of rope per 30cm depth of screen

bouts of windy weather, they haven't required any support (larger varieties do sometimes need some help, though) and they've needed very little feeding. I just couldn't imagine being without ornamental alliums. And their close relatives garlic, onion

certainly flourished. It also provides support for a Clematis viticella planted alongside, and I loosely train new shoots up the camellia as they grow.Next come two camellias growing in raised beds in a shaded position. I built low brick walls to create

. Joseph Pemberton in the early 1900s. He was vicar of the splendidly named Havering-atte-Bower in Essex, where he lived with his sister and helper, Florence.Clergymen were responsible for much plant breeding and research around that time, as they were

and chicken wire mesh. The mesh keeps young plants close to the supports, making it easier for them to climb, and keeps the pigeons away.Sugar snap peas become stringy and tough if left too long, so pick as soon as they start to plump up and make a satisfying