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and water them well. Try not to let the compost dry out.Wrap the lights around the box cones. Make sure the bulbs are evenly spaced then connect to your power supply.AdamKeep box in good condition by trimming in spring and feeding regularly.More seasonal

.Add the skimmias between the stipas, backfill with more compost and water thoroughly.Twine the lights through the holly and safely connect them to your power source.AdamKeep plants in good health by ensuring compost doesn't dry out in winter winds.More seasonal

2cm between the top of the compost and the basket's rim. Water in well and leave it to drain before hanging in position.AdamGive your plants a regular once-over for pests such as aphids, and beware of snails, which can sometimes sneak in too

Growing helleboresA must-have for the winter garden, hardy hellebores flower from late-winter to early spring. They also make great cut flowers - simply snip off flower heads and float in a shallow bowl of water.There are many varieties of hellebore

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

planting out, watering in plants naturally.However, I did put cloches to good use to provide extra protection from battering rain until some delicate seedlings were established. The main plants that suffered were sweetcorn, with every seedling being bent

-free this year. Last year they wreaked havoc, unearthing seeds and decapitating young plants.Red spider mite can overwinter in tiny cracks and crevices, so I’ll be sure to scrub the whole greenhouse structure with a brush and soapy water. I didn’t have any

, the dodgy walnuts, the last of the Christmas pudding… in fact, most food scraps (except turkey, goose or chicken remains, or anything too salty or sugary). Every little really does help. And, finally, don’t forget to provide a regular supply of fresh water.  

and watering the birds. Recent visitors include 32 sparrows, three robins, masses of assorted tits and hordes of blackbirds, all happily feasting on the hedge in front of our house.Before light the blackbirds are feasting on the cut apples, bird seed and fat

in the south-west. As well as feeding my young family out of our back garden, I squeeze in as many flowers as I can manage. This year I’m itching to sow the mouth-watering selection of flowers, veg, herbs and salads on offer through the Seed Club. The moment