Jobs to do

■ The urge right now is to dash outdoors and do everything possible but – be patient.

■ Trim the damaged, diseased and the oldest stems of brightlycoloured willows and thin out overcrowded stems.

■ Check supports on trees and shrubs to make sure they are still doing their job.

■ Firm down the soil around any plants that have been lifted by wind or frost.

■ Continue to clean up all the autumn leaves from around plants.

■ Warm up the winter soil by covering areas with cloches.

■ If the weather allows, aerate lawns to improve the drainage and prepare the ground to plant deciduous hedging.

■ There are still plenty of birds around (pictured) – continue to feed them and provide them with fresh water every day.