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Winter wildlifeMost garden wildlife hibernates over winter, as food is in short supply and freezing temperatures make life difficult. Learn how to help wild creatures through the cold winter months, below.In winter, wild animals and insects hunker

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

it between clumps of primroses, Primula vulgaris. Height 20cm.x Chionoscilla alleniiThis is one of the first bulbs to flower each year. Hot on the heels of the snowdrop, it lights up the garden with pale blue blooms. Plant it in drifts under trees or in a

it facing upwards. Cover with compost. Position somewhere cold and dark and check regularly for watering and pests. Once leaves appear in 10-12 weeks, bring the bulbs into the house.AdamTry forcing other spring bulbs, such as Narcissus 'Hugh Town', 'Itzim

Verbena bonariensisVerbena bonariensis flowers on tall, wiry stems and can be planted with a variety of different perennials, including grasses. It has a long flowering season, making it an ideal plant for low-maintenance gardens and herbaceous

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

foliage. Height/spread 1.2m x 90cm.Corsican hellebore, Helleborus argutifoliusDespite its name, it's not that likely to flower for Christmas - more usually seen flowering from late-winter. Flowers are white, though sometimes flushed pink, and flat

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

Captivating containersContainers offer the gardener great versatility, and are a fantastic way to experiment with planting and design.Container planting recipesGardening with containers is something I've always enjoyed. They provide some of the most