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At last, the plot is free of snow. It's time to get down to some serious preparations for spring. The plot looked beautifully tidy and well kept while it was covered in snow, but after the thaw I'm fully aware of how much work there is to do

It's cold, there's snow on the ground, and all is quiet in the garden. But I've just been outside feeding the wildlife. In my case that does not mean putting up nut-filled bird feeders or hanging fat balls, it means tipping the kitchen waste

of pale, blousy flowers for the last 10 years.The rest of the garden has matured a bit since then, so we can afford a bit of bare wood before we decide what to do next. And, in removing the tangled stems, we uncovered a series of pale opalescent pearls

're beautiful and unique, and as I admire them I always want to call up friends and invite them round to share one of nature's winter treats.Thankfully most of our garden plants are hardy enough to withstand frost and snow, but I live in hope that temperatures

What an odd assortment of weather we've had this year. In just 12 months my garden has experienced heavy snow, a spring heatwave followed by a drab, damp summer, then a second heatwave in autumn. Some parts of the country have experienced drought

When I was at school we used to sing a song (to the tune of Men of Harlech) which went "Tramp up Snowdon, with our woad on. Never mind if we get rained or snowed on!" It was a sort of homage to our hardy ancestors running around painted with blue

I don't know about you lot but I'm extremely bored of snow, frost and cold, and I need something distinctly unwintery to lift my spirits.I could eat a lot of chocolate, which would be comforting, though probably not a very good idea if I wish

In gardening, this term is used for any plant that is native to alpine zones of the world. This zone is identified as being below the permanent snow line and above the tree line. Alpines have many adaptations to this environment, including deep

Knock heavy snow off shrubs and conifers to prevent its weight damaging branchesPlace rabbit guards around trees to protect barkFirm down plants lifted by frost or wind rockCover areas needed for early seed sowing with polythene or cloches to warm

Keep window bird feeders topped up with seed to attract bluetits and sparrowsWash out flowerpots and seed traysMove patio pots to sheltered sites during cold periodsIf snow falls, knock it off the branches of evergreen shrubs and conifers to prevent