January

Start keeping a diary of everything that happens in the garden for future reference. Make notes of which annuals were planted when and where, the flowering times of different plants dates and any new ideas for the garden.

Water tree ferns daily and feed twice this month with specials fertilizer for foliage plants.

It is water – wise to water first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon when evaporation is minimal.

Hydrangea will have finished flowering by now and stems with old flowers need to be cut back to where two healthy buds start to appear near the main stem. Spent flowers can be used as mulch around the plant unless of course the blooms are needed for dry arrangements.

Pampas grass is highly invasive and should be eradicated as it is declared a noxious weed by law. Burn it down to the ground to prevent it from seeding itself and dig the root ball out.

Install a drip irrigation system for trees and shrubs in beds to avoid rapid evaporation of moisture

Do not cut back shrubs that produces berries or fruits in autumn, such as cotoneasters and camellias which are already forming buds for winter flowering.

There is still some to sow quick- maturing annuals such as alyssums, dwarf marigolds, phloxes, portcullises and zinnias, for late – summer colour,

Sow seed of anemones ranunculus cinerarias, Iceland poppies, pansies primulas and violas.

Prepare trenches for sweet peas.

Make a note of annuals, bulbs and perennials in full flower this month to add to your garden from next year.

For spring colour, sow Iceland poppies, pansies, ornamental kale, primulas and violas. To ensure successful germination of delphinium and larkspur seed, remember to chill them in the vegetable tray of your refrigerator before sowing.

Remove spent flowers from annuals regularly to prolong their flowering period.

Sow vegetables like artichokes beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts , endives, leeks, lettuce, parsley, parsnips, peas, radishes, runner beans swiss chard turnips and vegetable marrows