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UK butterflies to overwinter as an adult - peacock, comma and brimstone are the others, although the red admiral might start qualifying if it continues to survive our warmer winters. Any of these insects ought to have a head start as soon

to chalk up 15 of my 124 target actions. These are mostly by the simple expedient of not cutting the grass, not winter deadheading, clearing out the pond when I repaired it and by having more than my fair share of thickets.The thickets are obviously paying

sensibly, still tucked up, waiting for the weather to improve.Pear 'Winter Nelis': this is a late fruiter (although we are yet to get much), with the best blossom of all. Pink and white nuggets like freshly washed babies.There are apples as well, but only

out of silk (between 300 and 900 metres of the stuff). These cocoons are then unravelled and the strands woven into fine fabric that is not only smooth and sexy but also disproportionately warm (silk long johns are by far the best sort of winter

.However, reading through seed catalogues last winter I discovered 'Emir', a brand new variety for 2008 from Mr Fothergill's, which had been bred specifically to be grown in our northern climate. A combination of tolerance to cold conditions and fast-maturing fruits

winter.Actaea 'James Compton' - these used to be called cimicifugas. Tall and very, very elegant. 'James Compton' has dark purplish leaves as well.Zauschenaria californica - any plant whose name begins with Z has a special spot in my heart. A great edging

white sheen to its stems that looks wonderful in the grey days of winter.All the same, I'll always prefer picking wild berries. The combination of fresh air, a fair bit of mud (especially this year), the danger of toppling into a prickly ditch

is so extremely laid back and relaxed.In this garden there isn't much really urgent work that needs to be done. Many plants have done their bit and are just hanging around waiting for the winter; those that are still flowering do so with an admirable air

trees for a small garden. The current wave of interest in 'grow your own' should see even more people including fruit trees in their gardens, and the coming months are a perfect time to plant them. Last winter I made space for a 'family' apple tree

with lines of pink and orange as the sun tips over the horizon.I mention this because with the autumn comes the last chance to get out and visit gardens. All the big stately home gardens are beginning to close down for the winter but not before a last fanfare