Prune
Prune dead foliage on dahlias to the ground. Use a small stake to mark the site of the dahlia and its name. Spread a layer of cow manure around. Dahlias
will re-shoot in late spring.
Protect
Protect budding magnolias against possum damage with a sonic device such as Strayban.
Plant
Plant a shade tree for future pleasure and protection.
Plant tulips in the garden and in pots.
Old roses flower well in winter and it’s a great time to plant them. ‘Marechal Niel’ is a climbing tea-noisette with soft-yellow, scented blooms. ‘Safrano’
is an old tea rose with long, pointed buds opening to fragrant soft apricot.
Deep-water
Deep-water camellias to prolong flowering; add some seaweed to the watering can to promote plant health.
Colour
Colour the garden with annuals. Choose from pansies, snapdragons, larkspur, primrose, cineraria and alyssum.
Care
Lift and divide summer-flowering perennials that have been left alone for a few years. Discard old, woody centres. Replant new shoots and runners from
the perimeter of the clump into soil enriched with compost and manure.