WINTER WONDERLAND

It's time to bring your flowerbeds into full colour with stunning seasonal blooms

- Adam Woodhams

As winter begins, your garden will start to slow and new growth will cease on most larger plants. That's not to say it'll be totally subdued - camellia sasanquas and japonicas should be in glorious bloom, early flowering azaleas will just be bursting through, and annuals such as French marigolds, pansies and polyanthus will be kicking off their colourful displays.

If you want to add any cool-season flowering trees or shrubs to your garden or pots, do it now that way you can pick out colours while the flowers are in bloom.

SAY GOODBYE TO SLUGS

You need to protect seedlings and delicate plants from pests like slugs and snails, if you haven't already done so. They're more active this time of year, when things are cooler and damper - just the way they like it.

You can use commercial snail baits or try making some homemade traps. Bury a pasta sauce bottle or something with a similar shape, so the lip is just above the surface. Fill it with stale beer and slugs and snails will be attracted, fall in and drown (presumably happy). Empty it regularly.