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Plant any prepared narcissi now and you'll be able to enjoy their fragrant flowers during the dark days of winter. For an interesting indoor display, choose a glass bowl and fill it with gravel, glass beads or pebbles. 'Paperwhite', 'Soleil D

the winter underground in the cold and dark, which breaks their dormancy, then warmer weather signals spring and flowering time. By forcing, you mimic this process, covering and leaving the bulbs in a fridge or cold place before bringing them into the warm

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

planting.Blackcurrant bush, e.g. 'Ben Sarek'ForkSpadeCompostGeneral fertiliser such as blood, fish and boneSecateursautumn and winter45 minutesChoose an open and sunny site. Fork over a wide area of ground, then dig a hole deep enough to accommodate

Insulate your greenhouse with a layer of bubble wrap and give your plants a helping hand through winter. Your greenhouse will have fewer draughts and will also benefit from lower bills if you use a heater during the very cold months.Measuring tape

How to wrap a bananaProtecting tender plants for winterWatch Carol Klein's guide to growing cannas from seedPlanting a eucomis video project

A tree will add height, colour and architectural interest to a garden scheme and, if planted properly, should provide many years of enjoyment. In winter, bare-rooted plants become available - a cheaper alternative to ones in pots. Winter

Planting bare-root roses during the dormant season allows the plants to establish quickly because this is when the soil is moist. Bare root plants are available to buy in winter and are more economical than planting pot-grown roses if you need lots

-grown seedlings, spring and early summer is the time to plant them out. Raising them from seed is cheaper but adds a few weeks to the process - so if this is for you, it's time to get sowing!Young brassica plantsGarden line or string and canesTrowelSeed trays

plants the following summer. Kept on a warm windowsill over winter, your cuttings will quickly develop roots and leaves. They'll be ready to plant out in spring, and will flower all summer.Established geranium (pelargonium) plantPlastic potsSeed compost