Flower of the month Irises produce their striking flowers – which range in colour from palest yellow to rich purple – from midwinter right through to midsummer. Iris ‘Mary Barnard’ (pictured) is a winter-flowering variety. It grows to around 30cm tall and thrives in a sheltered situation with alkaline soil.

Picture and information from the RHS book Garden Plants and Flowers Through the Year. Written by Ian Spence and published by Dorling Kindersley, it’s out now in hardback priced £16.99


January tips Recycle your Christmas tree – take it to your local recycling centre to be shredded into reusable mulch.

lKeep all flowering pot plants such as cyclamen, orchids and poinsettias watered and fed, removing any dead or dying flowers and leaves.

Plant out winter flowering plants such as hellebores, iris and heathers to add colour to borders and patio pots.

Prune established wisterias – prune back the side shoots shortened by the summer pruning to two or three buds, taking care not to cut off flower buds.

Watch lawns and grassland areas for mole activity as January and February is their mating and nest-building season – mole repellents are available if needed.

Indoor forced hyacinth bulbs, that have finished flowering, can be dead-headed and put outside in a sheltered position to finish dying down naturally.

Slugs can still pose a threat to seedlings and plants – regularly check and apply slug bait or traps if needed.

Keep wild bird feeders topped up with food, especially during prolonged frosty weather.

Supplied by Peter Jackson at Scotsdales Garden Centre, Great Shelford

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