:: When pruning large branches of trees and shrubs with a saw, make a cut on the underside first, to prevent bark tearing back as the branch comes away
:: Protect the tops of celery with cloches or cover them with straw
:: If a new flush of growth starts to appear on Christmas cherries – Solanum capsicastrum – and threatens to hide the colourful fruits, pinch it out
:: Remove any debris which may have lodged between newly-planted spring bedding and remove weeds
:: Order lettuce seed, so you can make early sowings in frames during January
:: Protect early peas and beans sown in autumn from the protection of a little soil drawn up around them to make a windbreak
:: Erect a screen to protect newly planted evergreens from wind scorch
:: Prune deciduous shrubs and trees if any fairly large-scale work is necessary
:: Reduce the length of the stems on any tall rose bushes to decrease the risk of them being moved in the ground by the wind
:: Prune out the areas of apple trees infected with apple canker. Look for signs of canker rings on the bark, which cause dieback and cut back to healthy growth
BEST OF THE BUNCH – Holly
THIS evergreen shrub is another Christmas must-have, its bright berries adding festive cheer to a plethora of indoor decorations. But it is also a valuable shrub in the garden and you can get unusual and more decorative varieties including variegated types with gold or silver-splashed green foliage, as well as types with yellow, orange or black berries.
Nearly all types are male or female, so you'll need one of each to ensure berries unless you have neighbours who also grow holly in close proximity in their garden. The most popular type, Ilex aquifolium, is an upright shrub with 5-10cm long leaves. The male variety 'Golden Queen' offers green leaves with gold splashes, while the female 'Argentea Marginata' has white-edged leaves. Holly will thrive in any reasonable garden soil in full sun or partial shade. If you are growing holly as a hedge, trim it in spring.
