Gardeners planning ahead for tasks to do over the course of the year may wish to take into consideration the advice of celebrity gardener and television presenter Alan Titchmarsh.
He noted one of the key trends for the next year will be allowing climbers to grow up the front wall of a property.
People who wish to do this could think about investing in a good set of tree pruners, as these tools will allow them to keep on top of this task from the relative comfort and safety of the ground.
Another activity the expert recommended was forking over the earth between plants in the early part of spring, particularly where shrubs are growing.
Titchmarsh also advocated the use of mulch for this purpose, and MowDIRECT has a range of chippers and shredders that turn garden waste into this valuable substance.
Deciduous trees are said to be best planted at this time of year, as long as the soil is neither frozen over nor waterlogged.
These suggestions closely echo those of editor of Amateur Gardening magazine Tim Rumball, who recently claimed Acers, Boston Ivy, crataegus – also known as ornamental hawthorns – and Virginia Creepers often offer visually pleasing displays throughout the cold winter seasons.
Titchmarsh acknowledged he has to try and fit his gardening time around work requirements, as everyone else does, but emphasised the pleasure of preparing green spaces for spring.
He claimed winter can be a good time for making future plans with this in mind.
"Repeat-flowering roses should be in every garden – in and among border perennials and shrubs – dedicated rose beds are now out," he remarked.
"Perspective, proportion and form are every bit as important to me as colour. There is lots of evergreen topiary – clipped box and yew – but within the borders there are billowing banks of perennials, shrubs and roses," the expert continued.
