January
If weather conditions are favourable plant Roses, Shrubs, Conifers and Soft Fruit. Witch-hazels or Hamamelis make fabulous winter specimens, carrying beautifully intricate, fragrant flowers. Another beautifully fragrant shrub is Viburnum x bodnantense 'Dawn', with clusters of sweetly scented pink flowers from January to March.

February
Pick of the month: Prunus mume 'Beni-chidori'
Japanese ornamentsal dwarf tree with dark branches clothed with almond-scented, madder-pink flowers.

March
This is the best month for planting roses in heavy soils or in cold areas. Avoid planting in areas where roses were previously grown, otherwise new introductions may suffer from replant disease.

April
This is a frantic month for the gardener with lots of sowing, planting and propagating to do. Pick of the month Rhododendron Hybrids: Evergreen medium sized shrubs for acid soil, with large spring flowers in a variety of colours. Position in partial shade

May
If you've ever had the pleasure of sitting on a garden bench in May next to a Syringa microphylla, you will understand why we are featuring it as worth a place in the garden. It's a shrubby version of the lilac tree; it may reach up to 1.8 metres at maturity, and has panicles of pink flowers.

June
Everyone is familiar with the scented mauve or white flowers of the Lavandula angustifolia. It is a truly traditional cottage garden plant, guaranteed to give you pleasure for many weeks from June onwards, not to mention the bees!

July
Although maintenance is key in July, you can still introduce new bedding plants to keep your garden looking bright and beautiful throughout summer. The sword-like leaves of the moisture-loving perennial Iris sibirica give it foliage interest in addition to its gorgeous purple or white flowers.

August
Enjoying the end of the Summer and welcoming Autumn. Hebe 'Autumn Glory' forms a small shrub with purple shoots and flowers from late summer to autumn.

September
Laurus nobilis Topiary bay tree grown for its glossy leaves, this evergreen shrub or small tree develops naturally into a conical shape and is very tolerant of pruning.

October
Plant wallflowers, forget-me-not, Bellis, Primula, Viola (including winter pansies) and other spring bedding plants in prepared ground or pots. Keep them well watered if no rain is forecast.

November
If the thought of owning a small, well-behaved shrub with beautiful foliage which turns brilliant red in autumn and stays on all winter is tempting, then Nandina is the shrub for you. Nandina forms a striking contrast with the more solid shapes of many evergreen shrubs, both in terms of colour and leaf shape.

December
Skimma japonica 'Rubella' brightens up dull days with glossy evergreen leaves and red flower buds. Glossy, dark green leaves are edged with red, and long-lasting red flower buds open out into white, slightly scented flowers as spring arrives.