In your garden this month...

• Robins, of course, will be singing even on the coldest, shortest days, with males staking out territories for the coming breeding season. If you want to encourage them to stay on and breed, put an open-fronted nest box up now, but choose a spot that Grey Squirrels and cats can’t climb or jump to. • You could plant a rugosa rose (a non-native shrub) now, to provide hips for birds next year. • It’s also a time to plant other trees, hedges, and shrubs, but only if the weather remains relatively mild. • If you have a greenhouse, then now’s the time to tidy it up. When you do (and indeed when doing any tidying at this time of year), take care not to disturb hibernating creatures such as Hedgehogs. • Plan and dig new borders and beds. • Prune apple trees and other fruit trees. • Check that your climbing plants are well tied in to survive any winter gales or heavy snowfalls. • It’s also the time to winter dig your vegetable plot.