Plant bare-root roses, shrubs, hedging, and ornamental trees, as long as the ground isn't frozen.

Take root cuttings of fleshy-rooted perennials such as oriental poppies, acanthus, and verbascums.

Establish new colonies of snowdrops and hellebores by buying plants in flower, so you can choose the prettiest blooms.

Clear away soggy, collapsed stems of perennials and compost them.

Take hardwood cuttings from deciduous shrubs, such as forsythia, willow, and viburnum.

Check that small alpines don't become smothered by fallen leaves and other wind-blown debris.

Deadhead winter pansies and other bedding regularly, and remove any foliage affected by downy mildew.

Move dormant plants that are in the wrong place to more suitable sites.

Check for rot on stored bulbs and tubers, and ensure dahlia and canna tubers haven't totally dried out.

Continue pruning climbing roses, while they are dormant.

Winter-prune apple and pear trees to remove any dead, damaged, congested,. and diseased branches.

Plant bare-root fruit bushes, trees, and canes into enriched soil, as long as the ground isn't frozen.

Order seed potatoes, onions, shallots, and garlic bulbs for planting in spring.

Top up bird baths with fresh water daily and melt ice with warm water on frosty days.

Give your lawn mower a basic service or take it to a dealer for maintenance, while it's not in use.

Put up bird boxes in sheltered spots, on tree trunks, sheds or walls, well before the nesting season begins.

Clean and sharpen your tools, including hoes, secateurs and shears, and spray metal tools with oil.

Sprinkle an all-purpose fertilizer along the base of hedges and around shrubs.

Trim back ivy, Virginia creeper, and other climbers that have outgrown their space, before birds start nesting.

Provide high-energy food for birds to help them through the winter months.

Clear soggy leaves, algae and moss from paths, patios, decking, and steps.

Dig over any gaps in borders, removing the roots of perennial weeds.

Give empty pots and seed trays a thorough scrubbing ready for the start of the sowing season.

Clean out and scrub bird feeders regularly to maintain hygiene.