Snowdrops – Now is the best time to lift & divide large clumps whilst they are still in leaf.  This is also a good time to buy & plant new snowdrops as they take better than bulbs in the spring.

Pruning – The Willow & Dogwood shrubs that gave you vibrant colour throuought the winter can now be cut down hard to encourage the new shoots of colour for the winter to come.

Summer flowering buddleja should also be cut back hard.  Hydrangea should also be tackled now removing dead limbs and the old flowers to make way for the new.

Also Bush Rose’s and Hybrid T’s need shortening by 1 third or half (in some cases more may need to be removed) if you have not done so already.

Mulching – This is a good idea as it not only provides protection for young shoots from the frost, suppresses weeds,retains moisture & improves the soil it also has the added bonus of looking attractive as well!  But be generous it needs to be at least 3-4 inches thick!

[Photo credit: cobaltfish @ flickr]