In the Garden: January

Although January can be one of the coldest, bleakest months of the year, it is also the time when we see the first promise of spring. Delicate buds appear and new shoots emerge revealing the treasures of the New Year.

Beautiful snowdrops spread like a carpet across the bare winter ground and brightly coloured stems of dogwoods cheer up the garden in the mist and frost.

You may want to put your feet up than brave the elements outside, but there are plenty of jobs to get on with at this time of year if weather allows. Improving and mulching the soil, helps keep the weeds down and can do wonders for your borders and plants next season, time well spent now will prove worthwhile later in the year with healthier plants and longer flowering.

To do list:

• Improve the soil with organic compost or well rotted manure
• Move plants or shrubs, lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials
• Prune fruit trees and bushes
• Prune Wisteria
• Continue weeding
• Clean out the greenhouse
• Spike lawns to help drainage-(keep off lawns in frost or snow)

How to: Create Winter Interest

Plants: Avoid the temptation to cut back all dead foliage from plants as the seed heads and structure of these plants provide an eye-catching display in glittery frosts, they also provide food for birds. Evergreen hedges, trees and shrubs create definition and shape to the garden; keep them neatly clipped for crisp clear lines.

Hard Landscaping: Clear paths and uncluttered paving areas work best in winter, so try and have a good clear out. Consider containers and climbing plants to soften hard landscaping features, and brighten up those dark days.

Focal Points: Creating focal points helps draw the eye to a particular view or space in the garden. Empty winter spaces can be enlivened with a decorative bird bath or a seat with an arbour or willow sculpture.