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power lines came down on the East Coast mainline, I ventured out into my garden with my camera instead. The sun was shining, welcoming me into my very own Winter Wonderland. Truly beautiful!Branches and leaves were coated with icy crystals that glistened

haven't really experienced 'challenging' winter weather for many years now, I doubt if this Phoenix canariensis has had to put up with much in the way of cold during its lifetime, but there has been some frost and snow. From what I've observed over

early in winter before. I’m sure my friendly BBC weather forecaster will provide me with plenty more weather statistics when I next tune in.So, what does this mean for our plants and gardens? Firstly, take very great care walking out into your garden

The danger of frozen water pipes is on my mind during this freezing weather, but I'm also concerned that garden birds are suffering, too.Water in my bird bath quickly turns into a solid sheet of ice on cold nights, and hasn't been thawing out during the day either, as temperature...

What a surprise it is when the Japanese aralia bursts into bloom in December. Quite why anything should naturally be programmed to flower at this time of year always puzzles me, but perhaps this native of Japan and South Korea is just confused by our seasons.Any late-flying insec...

Could garden plants reduce your winter heating bills? Some interesting research has been conducted at the University of Sheffield and by other organisations around the world that highlights the value of trees and plants surrounding buildings

It amazes me how ladybirds survive winter outside - hibernation is an extraordinary phenomenon. To withstand winter as adults, ladybirds and other creatures must find suitable shelter, and they'll seek high and low to find it. I've tried

What a wonderful welcome to the new year to discover these beautiful seed pods on my Iris foetidissima. They really are a winter bonus, their bright shining seeds last for weeks. Apparently they are not attractive to birds; they don't appear

in winter. When water trapped inside freezes it expands and cracks them. I mistakenly thought in the past that metal ones would be robust enough to withstand the cold, only to find them completely split open by ice! Bring all irrigation equipment under cover

More gardeners choose pansies and violas as their favourite bedding plant than any other flower.These brightly coloured flowers with their cheerful faces brave the very worst of our weather to put on displays during winter and spring, and voting