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you how to create a simple, economical container to get your heap going. Move plants from greenhouse to cold frameDig out new ponds and water featuresClean and sharpen secateurs and garden knivesAround the gardenTake cuttings from delphiniumsWash off

, or even into the border.Treat timber fences, trellis and posts with preservativeInstall water butts to all downpipes on your houseApply moss killer to lawnsAround the gardenSow sunflowers outsideTrim winter-flowering heathersPick off faded flower heads

Make a Christmas wreath Welcome visitors by making a beautiful Christmas wreath with bundles of twigs and evergreen foliage from your own garden. Keep it simple so that it's easy to make and choose tough, resilient foliage so that it will last

Birds not only use water to drink, but they also bathe in it, helping them fluff up their feathers to insulate themselves against the cold. Experts have also found that clean birds are more streamlined, so can escape from predators quickly. Our bird

It couldn't be easier to freeze fresh herbs. All you'll need are a few ice cubetrays, chopped herbs and freshly filtered tap water. The frozen herbcubes can then be stored in the freezer until you're ready to use them.Home-grown herbs such as basil

roots from its base, while new shoots will emerge through the tip and sides.Dracaena house plantSecateursJar of waterPlant potsMulti-purpose compostall year roundan hourChop up the stem into sections 20-30cm long. Note which end is the base and which

.springMore advice on hanging basketsSarah Raven demonstrates how to plant up a hanging basketWatering hanging basketsCreating a fragrant herb hanging basket displayPlanting up a summer hanging basketView plants by flower colourBrowse a selection of spring blooming

Shrubs are useful building blocks when you're planning a garden, providing structure and substance. Winter is an ideal time to assess your garden and see if there's an empty space that's just right for a new shrub

Work off Christmas excesses by digging over bare areas of groundPlace cloches over tender plants to give them extra protection from frostSharpen blades on hoes, secateurs and other garden tools, and wipe with an oily rag before storing awayDo a

.Prepare soil ready for sowing a lawn or laying turf during September and OctoberTop up water levels in pebble fountains and poolsDeal with problem lawn weedsAround the gardenSave seed from ornamental annual quaking grassWater camellias regularlySummer prune