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into the ground and standing only about 30-45cm (12-18in) tall. This gives the tree a chance to build up its own strength as it flexes in the wind but keeps those roots safe and secure. Perhaps the trees won't then grow as ramrod-straight as they would with a

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

scrambling through the daisy-like plant fleabane, which will flower all summer.March - April July - September40 minutesAlpine strawberry plants x3Mexican fleabane, Erigeron karvinskianus x2Large wall potMulti-purpose compostCrocksFix the pot securely

by a sea of blue campanula flowers. March - JulyJune - August20 minutesMyrtle, Myrtus communis subsp. tarentinaCampanula portenschlagiana x2Small window boxCrocksLoam-based compost, such as John Innes No. 3Cover the bottom of the window box with crocks

compostRead Kate Bradbury's blog on autumn tidying in the garden

exciting varieties to grow on yourself.Potted orchidSpecialist orchid compostOrchid fertiliserall year round20 minutesStand the young orchid plants in trays in the greenhouse, well out of any direct sunlight. If the compost looks very dry, water the plants

sure you measure your shed before you go. Also take the tape measure along with you to check units will fit through the door when you get them home.Assemble any units as required and organise and tidy everything away. Fit a tool rack to the wall. Hang

, but the reward is instant - a neat, tidy display revealing the full beauty of the blooms without the distraction of dead flowers.Now I'm contemplating propagation, so need to delve down to try and find some healthy non-flowering shoots to use as cuttings

I do love the garden in October - especially in the sunshine. In the early Spring it is all about hope and waiting: all that mulch and neatly tidied brown border. A month or so later and there is green stuff and bulbs all over the place. Then we

.I'm on a mission to tidy up my plot this month. It's looking quite unkempt (I think 'unkempt' is the right word although Ron next door might choose something stronger) and is rather letting the Gardeners' World side down. I bet the weeds dare not show