November is often one of the wettest months of the year, and also brings fog and frosts.

Despite the gloom there’s still some colour to be found among leaves and berries.  Winter-flowering shrubs such as Mahonia media hybrids, winter honeysuckle and Viburnum bodnantense will bring gorgeous fragrance to the short days.

Try and spend a little time tidying up your borders – you’ll be pleased you did when spring comes round.  This is a good time of year to plant conifers with the help of your favourite  planting mixture.

Essential Jobs Checklist for November Plant conifers and evergreens Clear leaves and compost them Sow peas and broad beans Spike lawn and give it an autumn feed Protect tender outdoor plants from frost Start stored poinsettias into growth for Christmas

Last Chance to… Plant bulbs for spring Plant garlic cloves