Most Gardens look untidy at this time of year when the leaves have fallen from shrubs and trees and the herbaceous plants have died down. This is a good time to go round the garden and tidy everything up - cut or tie back plants that are overhanging paths or the lawn. Remove canes and other supports left in beds and clear away containers standing empty or full of dead plants.

Some weeds will continue to grow and seed if conditions are mild. Choose a dry day and hoe the soil to loosen the surface and this will get rid of the weeds and give the garden a cultivated look.

Mulches that have worn thin or become disturbed by animals or birds looking for food can be raked over and topped up if necessary. Wait until there is a mild day - don't mulch over frozen soil.

Shrubs that are not completely hardy are more likely to be killed by a combination of low temperatures and cold winds than by very low temperatures on their own. This is known as wind chill and it can do a lot of damage on evergreens. Winter protection in the form of a netlon-type windbreak is an excellent idea but it should have been put in place in late autumn or early winter. However, it is still worth taking the trouble to wrap them up using bubble polythene if severe weather is forecast.

Water the Hippeastrum bulbs planted last month and keep them warm and moist as the growth increases.

Check on trellis and all structures supporting climbers and carry out any repairs that are needed. If you find it necessary, untie the plants and remove them from their supports, as this is much easier to do while the plants are dormant. Before plants start growing actively, check on the ties that secure them to their supports. Replace any ties which have rotted and add extra ties if these are required, for a large climber in full leaf can be very heavy.

Examine stored dahlia tubers every few weeks during January and, if they are shrivelling, plunge them in a bucket of tepid water for a night to plump them up again. Dry the tubers thoroughly and put them back to where they are being stored. If stored tubers are showing any sign of rotting, cut away any portions of the tubers that are damaged and treat the cuts with sulphur dust.

Ensure that overwintering fuchsias kept in green leaf get as much light as possible and are not becoming pale and leggy.

Keep the greenhouse well ventilated even in cold but not frosty weather as condensation may encourage grey mould (Botrytis).

Inspect plants in pots for Vine Weevil larvae. These white crescent-shaped grubs lodge in the rootball and if they are not spotted will eat away the entire root system. Gently knock each plant out of its pot and pick off any weevils by hand. Later in the year use a control such as "Provado".