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the end of the 2012 growing season. The reason I’m flustered is that there’s so much still to do, and the most urgent job is to bring any tender plants that are still outside under cover before they’re damaged.I have a lovely selection of tender succulents

When we moved into our house we planted daffodil bulbs by the sackful. The result each spring is phenomenal – our drive is flanked with gold. But at this time of year, when delivery vans and friends visit, the emerging daffodil shoots are often

to circulate through and between the plants, reducing fungal problems. some models are also available with shelves underneath, for extra storage. Prices from £30.BenchesA cold frame is a useful halfway house between the protected environment of a greenhouse

pretty display for the Christmas table. In colder situations it will flower prolifically until the first frosts, then bloom intermittently in warmer spells until the end of the year.Dig in plenty of organic matter before planting the bulbs and water them

, and they’re showing signs of downy mildew infection, please help FERA and send samples in to: Dr Phil Jennings, The Food and Environment Research Agency, Plant Protection Programme, Sand Hutton, York. YO41 1LZ.To make sure that the samples are in good

encourages flowers to form at the base of each of these pruned shoots.I regularly hear of people whose wisteria won't flower, but my plant flowers very reliably. Perhaps growing it in a pot helps, along with correct pruning, and feeding with a high potash

. Cut dahlias down to the next bud and remove banana and canna leaves at their base.Water these thirsty plants regularly, and give them a liquid feed once a fortnight.Transplant undercover or provide protection over winter.Growing exotic plants

to experiment with I'm sure. I wonder what other tender plants gardeners around the country are trying to protect through winter?

It's hard to believe how quickly plants have grown in my garden over the past few weeks. My hostas are doing particularly well. In April I was considering repotting some of my established and congested pots of newly emerging hostas, but they've now

the crown of the plant over winter. This is easily done by folding the dying leaves over the crown. In cold areas a bit of straw and fleece can be added for extra protection.At least if you insist on camping under a Gunnera in your garden, rather than