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SENSEI?
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Having had more than enough of the predations of the local wild life on my veggies, I'm going to put some gro-bags or the equivalent on my flat roof and grow beans up there beside my best bonsai. It is squirrel, hedgehog and fox proof up there. Overhanging trees have been curtailed and I have laid on some piped water to make life easier. Birds will still have access of course but they mostly call for the water. To bathe and drink. I hope that this idea will pay off in the form of more fuel for the kitchen.
My name is Don and I'm a bonsaiholic. Now, where are those tablets?
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Genius
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You'll only have to watch out for winged creatures, Don. The wood pigeons and ring doves that visit me would be happy! Good luck with the project. Like to see a photo of the roof-plot. 
...Location: Trowbridge, Wiltshire...
Webshots
http://www.picturesofengland.com
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Genius
Group: Forum Members
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More ideas for gardening jobs. I was sent this list by an on-line friend. You'd think there wasn't much to do at this time of year!
Newsletter
01 January 2009
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/calendar
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Plant winter hellebores
Plant hellebores for beautiful winter flowers from now until late March.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plant...ellebore.shtml
Prune deciduous trees
Most deciduous trees are best pruned when dormant in late autumn or winter. Our guide shows you how to prune successfully.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...netrees1.shtml
Plant scented daphnes
Can't wait for spring to come? Bring some winter cheer to your garden by planting a daphne for early colour and a stunning scent.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plant...e_daphne.shtml
Protect soft fruit blossom
Peach and nectarine trees flower extremely early in the year, so to prevent blooms being damaged by frost, move potted trees under cover from now until late April.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...nd_pollination
Dig a bean trench
Prepare a bean trench on the site where you're planning to grow your runner beans next summer and fill with the rotted contents of your compost bin. Cover with soil in late spring, then sow or plant out your beans on top.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...ngbeans2.shtml
Pinch out sweetpeas
Encourage vigorous growth in early sweetpea seedlings by pinching out the tops of the plants.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plant...l#growing_tips
Take hardwood cuttings
Take hardwood cuttings of cornus, willow, honeysuckle and other woody shrubs to make new plants.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...ardwood2.shtml
Prune wisteria shoots
Prune back any wisteria side shoots to about 10cm (4 in) in length. This pruning ensures that the plant will flower more profusely later on in the year.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...g_key_climbers
Protect patio plants
Container grown plants are more at risk from frost damage than plants growing in the border. Protect plants by wrapping the pots with bubble wrap.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...ng_over_winter
Keep cyclamen blooming
Prolong your displays of winter cyclamen by deadheading your plants and removing any yellowing leaves.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plant...cyclamen.shtml
Apply winter tree washes
Keep your fruit trees healthy by applying a plant oil-based winter wash to kill off any overwintering pests.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...html#aftercare
Repair damaged pond liners
If your pond liner is damaged or ripped, repair it now to limit any disturbance of the pond's natural balance.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...tml#water_loss
Move rose bushes
Once dormant, older rose bushes can be moved or new plants added to the garden. Be sure to add plenty of chunky, organic matter to the planting hole for great results later on in the year.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plant...l#growing_tips
Choose a winter houseplant
If you need an extra burst of colour to keep the winter blues at bay, why not brighten up your home with a few colourful winter houseplants?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic..._winter2.shtml
Top prune raspberries
Ensure your plants are strong and healthy by trimming back any lanky top growth so that the canes are about 15cm (6 in) above the top wire.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...l#planting_out
Choose new fruit bushes
Plant new fruit bushes for the coming year. Our guide to unusual fruit will give you plenty of new ideas.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/grow_...rieties_to_try
Force outdoor rhubarb
Lift each rhubarb crown up with compost and bring into a cool greenhouse. Completely exclude any light by placing forcing pots or black polythene over crowns. The stems will be ready to pick in as little as six weeks.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic....shtml#forcing
Avoid gardening back pain
If you're currently digging over your vegetable patch, make sure you take care of your back! Our guide shows you how.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/advic...backcare.shtml
Prune fruit trees
Free-standing fruit trees should be pruned now. Remove the dead, dying and diseased branches, then look for branches that are crossing over each other and remove them.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...ng_a_bush_tree
Protect tender perennials
Keep an eye on the weather forecast, and protect tender perennials such as banana plants if a frost is predicted.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...gplants2.shtml
Rest hippeastrum bulbs
Once your hippeastrum has flowered, cut off the flower stems at the bulb's base. Allow the foliage to keep growing for as long as possible to ensure that the bulb will produce plenty of flowers next year.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plant...l#growing_tips
Prune your shrubs
Prune out any weak shoots or suckers on flowering shrubs such as lilacs or roses. This will ensure a better flower display later on in the year.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...eshrubs2.shtml
Chit early potatoes
Get a head start with your potato crop by chitting tubers now.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...ml#how_to_chit
Help wildlife in winter
Leave food and a saucer of water out in your garden to give your local wildlife a helping hand through winter.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/today...inter_visitors
Stop your pond freezing
A small area of open water is essential for a healthy pond over winter. Float a ball on the surface of the pond to stop it from freezing over completely.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...er_maintenance
Clear lawns of leaves
A thick carpet of wet leaves can smother grass, so make the most of any dry weather to sweep up fallen leaves.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...nter_aftercare
Cover up camellias
New camellia buds are particularly vulnerable to frosts and sharp winds, so wrap your plant in hessian or fleece if bad weather is predicted.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plant...l#growing_tips
Sow onion seeds
The range of onion varieties available from seed is enormous, so try planting a few seeds from several varieties for a range of different tastes.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...types_of_onion
Inspect your dahlia tubers
If you have lifted and stored dahlia tubers for the winter, take time to check that they are still clean and dry. Throw out any which are blackened or rotted.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plant...roblem_solver_
Mulch your beds
Sprinkle mulch around emerging plants to add nutrients to the soil and keep in moisture and warmth.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/basic...mulches1.shtml
Redesign your borders
Take time out of the cold, wet winter weather to redesign your garden. Our Virtual Garden tool will help you plan your new layout and planting plan.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/desig...en_index.shtml
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...Location: Trowbridge, Wiltshire...
Webshots
http://www.picturesofengland.com
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SENSEI?
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 8:38:04 PM
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Right! Done that. Now what?
My name is Don and I'm a bonsaiholic. Now, where are those tablets?
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Genius
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 3:31:58 PM
Posts: 466,
Visits: 396
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SENSEI?
Group: Administrators
Last Login: Yesterday @ 8:38:04 PM
Posts: 480,
Visits: 2,427
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I was glad of the reminder to cut the Wisteria back again. 
My name is Don and I'm a bonsaiholic. Now, where are those tablets?
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Genius
Group: Administrators
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What a wealth of reminders here Penny thank you
Kath
UK - Zone 8
"Patience is a virtue"
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Genius
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 3:31:58 PM
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You are very welcome.
I'm thinking of taking the advice about digging my bean trench but I think the ground would be too hard just now. I've some bags of manure to add to the trench. My back is dodgy at present, too, so that's another reason for putting off the digging. 
It's very cold here, no doubt it it where you are, as well. Brrrr.
...Location: Trowbridge, Wiltshire...
Webshots
http://www.picturesofengland.com
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