Jobs for December

Recommendations from Woman's Weekly Gardening Magazine.

1. Plan landscaping changes - while the weather's cold and you're stuck indoors, start planning for next year. Look through books, magazines and the internet for inspiration and send off for hard landscaping and plant catalogues.

2. Winterproof your garden - prune long whippy shoots on roses so they don't suffer wind-rock and move large or heavy pots away from areas which are susceptible to wind. Put pot feet under containers if you haven't already done so so the soil won't freeze. Buy tap covers for your outdoor taps during freezing periods.

3. Plant scented shrubs - Plant deciduous scented winter shrubs like witch hazel or winter honeysuckle in your garden where you'll see or smell them from the house. You can also move such shrubs now while they're dormant provided the soil isn't waterlogged or frozen.

4. Spruce up for christmas - clear paths of moss or lichen so you don't slip in icy conditions. Plant some evergreen topiary or berried shrubs near your front door. Pop solar lights on your windowsill or over the front door and don't forget to add a colourful wreath to the door for a festive finish.