Let early bulbs shine

It’s important to not be too tidy in the garden in winter. Leaving a cover of leaves on borders and fading stems in place provides places for little creatures to hole up for winter and helps protect soil from erosion caused by heavy rain. As bulbs start to emerge over the coming weeks, it’s worth clearing leaves and cutting back some growth so that snowdrops, winter aconites and crocus look their best. Try to minimise disturbance to overwintering wildlife by only cutting back the scruffiest top growth. Put stems on the compost heap or tuck away in a spot where creatures inside them can continue their hibernation.