At this time of the year I almost forget I have a garden. In the summer, while the sun still shines, I’ll happily potter about when I get home from work. But in the winter, when it’s pitch black outside and usually raining or freezing cold, it’s not quite as appealing.

I’m also never sure what I should be doing at this time of year. Planting new things seems pointless as the frost will just get them. Watering is unnecessary given the downpours every second day. And although there’s the odd weed to deal with, the majority have taken a rest for the winter.

Little do I know… This helpful gardening calendar from the BBC with daily tips lets me know where I’ve been slacking. Apparently I still have time to plant tulips today!

It turns out there’s no rest over the cold season after all. But there’s still the cold to deal with. Perhaps I’ll be putting these warm welly liners on my Christmas list.

Or then again maybe I’ll just wait for the spring…

Lara Crisp, Managing Editor