Hellebores are classic woodland plants under deciduous trees such as maples and magnolias. They enjoy winter sun and shade in summer and are terrific in pots.
For easy-care, brilliant winter flowers, try aloes in sun-drenched gardens or pots on patios. Birds and bees just love the long-lasting candelabra flowers.
Make hardwood cuttings from prunings of deciduous shrubs, climbers and roses. Use pencil-thick pieces, 15-20 cm long. Dip ends into hormone gel and insert into moist seed-raising mix. For step-by-step to propagating from hardward cuttings, see Graham's guide on page 18.
Take the easy option by planting dwarf fruit trees including apples, peaches and nectarines. Their compact growth habit makes harvesting a breeze. For more inspiration and how to grow, see Angie's fruit tree feature on page 48.
It’s time to prune the roses. Cut out old and weak growth, leaving three or four sturdy well-trimmed stems. Spray pruned plants and the surrounding soil with lime sulphur to kill black spot fungal spores. Mulch with cow manure.
Feed flowering bulbs with a fertiliser high in potash to encourage better blooms. Continue the treatment for better flowers next season.
Move evergreen and deciduous plants in the wrong spot. Prepare the new planting hole first, then move plants with as many intact roots as possible. Water in with seaweed solution to reduce transplant shock. Potash to encourage flowering. If you want to divide and replant, do so after flowering.