If you have new shrubs, planting material delivered and planting conditions are not suitable! Heel them in, in a sheltered spot in the garden after carefully removing any packing material from around the roots. During frosty weather re-firm the soil as required.

Whilst the weather is frost free this is the time to dig the garden and allow the frost to do all your hard work for you to produce a nice friable tilth in the Spring. Importantly do not be tempted to work fertiliser into the soil at this time because with the heavier rains over the winter, most of the nitrogen will be washed out of the soil, polluting the water and wasting your precious cash. In fact money down the drain!

If you feel the urge to plant something, get the spade out and plant some broad beans, wallflowers and polyanthus, but wait for a nice dry/sunny day.

Lining the inside of your greenhouse with bubble wrap will help give some protection from frosts though to be sure you need to install a space heater which works on a thermostat (until there is a power cut, that is).

Clear away the remains of old crops, any remaining leaves, to tidy up the garden and prepare the area for next year. This will also help reduce the snail and slug population. After tidying up the outside or when it really is too cold wet and miserable you can always tidy up the garden shed, conservatory, greenhouse, tools and equipment, pots and containers.

If your lawn is wet, keep off the grass. For other times rake any leaves off and you can even mow it should the month be mild. Now is the time to carry out repairs to the edges.

If you have a bird table or have been putting food out during the autumn please remember to keep on doing so over the next few months and ensure that there is plenty of water available during times when their usual supply is frozen.

If you are still struggling for ideas for Christmas presents you will find plenty of ideas in the gardening magazines or on-line websites. In fact if you are reading this you are not far away from some superb ideas. Look in the Blooming Direct catalogue and on their web site.

In the age old tradition (the one I started last year) that is it for 2008 which just leaves me to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Lets hope the first few months of 2009 are better than the last few months of 2008.