Jobs to do
■ As February approaches, there’s much to do, but patience is the keyword – the weather should improve and it should be possible to get out and about. Nature knows best, so don’t try to rush things.
■ If the weather is kind enough, plant trees, shrubs and fruit trees, making sure you’ve prepared the ground well before they go in.
■ Check ties and supports on any trees you planted last autumn. If necessary, firm them back into the soil.
■ If it’s not too cold, prune winter-flowering shrubs which have finished blooming (such as jasmine) and trim back overgrown evergreens before they put on a spring spurt.
■ Lift and divide any clumps of snowdrops (pictured) which have finished flowering. Then replant them; they should bloom next year.