Pot up some Amaryllis bulbs to have some striking indoor colour in February.

Deadhead plants in Winter bedding or containers to prolong the flowering.

If the soil is not too wet or frozen bare root root roses can still be planted this month. If the ground is not suitable, put them in a container in damp compost until soil conditions improve. Check the moisture level to make sure they don’t dry out.

At this time of year most deciduous trees have lost all their leaves but there are certain that may hold on to some through the Winter months. Oak and Beech are the most common and in particular can be seen on young trees and the lower branches of more mature trees. Leaves still turn brown and shrivel but go through a slower process of decay. This retention of leaves is known as Marcescence from the Latin "marcescere" meaning "to fade".

Despite the short Winter days in January tentative signs of Spring are appearing this month as plants start to push through the soil. One of the most recognised plants to be flowering this month is the Snowdrop, Ga-lanthus nivalis that means milk flower of the snow. Although they are well established in the wild, Snowdrops are not native to the UK.

Ivy berries will be ripening turning from green to black as they mature and there are usually still some Holly berries, Hips and wild Privet berries to be found.