Seasonal tasks

Rake up the last fallen leaves. For free mulch, shovel them into garbage bags with a sprinkle of lime and leave to rot down until summer.

• Lay slug and snail bait around emerging spring bulbs to protect the flower buds.

• Plant daphne, osmanthus, wintersweet and witch hazel for sweet winter scents.

• Fill a vase with fragrant Erlicheer narcissus, the first of the daffodils to bloom.