APRICITY is one of the best things about winter. It means the warmth of the winter sun and was the favourite type of weather of my dear late friend. It conjures up images of basking in the low sun, looking out at crisp clear blue skies. Donning many layers, a woollen hat, wrapped in an oversized scarf, with gloved hands sipping hot chocolate.

This year we have witnessed an impressive long and late autumn leaf display, so prioritise time these next few days to get outside and appreciate the amazing colours in our tree lined roads, local woods and of course if you are fortunate enough to live in Essex, our very own RHS Hyde Hall (https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall).

This time of year is also home to the Futurescape event (https://www.futurescapeevent.com) where anyone and anything to do with landscaping gathers for two days at the Excel, London. I really enjoyed perusing the amazing array of exhibitors from tools to plants, making new business contacts and learning about new materials and methods. A huge emphasis on sustainable practices this year has my head reeling with ideas.

Tips for your own garden as we move towards December;

• Make sure you use the better weather to get out and prune your fruit trees, shrubs and roses.

• Protect tender plants such as Dahlias and Cannas by gently wrapping them in hessian, fleece or bubble wrap if they are staying outside and make sure you wrap the pots too.

• Tidy the garden; add dead leaves to the compost or use as mulch. Mulching the beds now will help keep warmth in the soil and protect plants from frosts.

• Plant spring bulbs! In more Southern areas it is not too late and in fact if you are planting Tulips, they will have a better chance of survival if you plant them later.

• Also, don’t forget the wildlife. Keep those bird feeders topped up with fatty foods and a fresh water supply for all wildlife. Leave seedheads in place too.

And lastly, don’t neglect your vitamin D, essential in the winter months!