WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK

■ IT’S been a busy time for many of us with last-minute shopping and Christmas dinner to get ready. But… a bit of gardening can be just what’s required to de-stress! There’s always plenty of clearing up to do around this time of year, shifting leaves, weeding and cutting back dead perennials. ■ IT’S time to get ordering seeds for next year, especially if you are after anything a bit quirky or unusual. ■ WINTER is a good time to improve your soil structure by digging in compost or manure. Allow time for the worms to break down the organic matter and your soil will be rich and ready for next year. ■ PRUNE wisteria – cut back side shoots to a couple of buds.

■ DON’T be tempted to cut off flower heads on hydrangeas, even if they look quite scruffy. Leave them be as this will provide some frost protection to the developing buds when the spring arrives.