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high up on the trunk of an old tree at the edge of the clearing. It’s a nuthatch. From this distance its grey-blue plumage makes it look elegant and sleek, rather than the ‘plump’ suggested by all the birding guides. Maybe it’s just had a tough winter

the crown of the plant over winter. This is easily done by folding the dying leaves over the crown. In cold areas a bit of straw and fleece can be added for extra protection.At least if you insist on camping under a Gunnera in your garden, rather than

’re also starting to snuggle down for the winter. My veg plants benefit from the extra warmth provided by fleece and cloches. I like to keep out the cold by drinking twice as many cups of tea.

. But I love pumpkin curry, pumpkin soup or even just mashed pumpkin with bacon.We grow three varieties. The first is a big orange number called ‘Vif d’Etampes’. It keeps well into the winter, but once cut we have to eat it for at least a week. The second

their acrobatics.It is a strange habit of these endearing and pretty little birds that, come winter, they congregate together in mixed-species flocks. And sure enough, as I struggle to adjust the focusing to keep up with their quick movements, I can make out a

The sweet-smelling irises should be in flower by late-winter if the weather is mild. Before then, you can enjoy the foliage combination of the needle-like iris, the filigree ivy and the crimped fern. If you plant up this container feature in autumn

to three years. Each clump should have about six leaf shoots and should be replanted about 20-30cm apart and 5cm deep in well-prepared soil.Alternatively, harvest the seeds and store them over winter in cool conditions, then sow them in spring in moist

and to bathe. Keeping their feathers clean is essential, especially in winter, as damp feathers are easier to preen. Preening spreads oil and waterproofs feathers, insulating them from the cold.BirdsDragonflies breed in water and need submerged plants

thrives where summers are hot and winters are cold. It's ideal for rock gardens or container displays. Flowers in late-April. Height 20cm.Tulipa linifoliaA sweet-scented and early-flowering variety. Flowers from March to April. Height 10cm.Tulipa humilis

of September. Save them in an envelope over winter to sow in February. You'll get a wonderful mixture of different flower shapes and colours from the resulting plants.More tips on sowing seedsVideo guide to sowing bluebell seeds, with Chris BeardshawCarol Klein