What to plant in it now? Andrew Maloy has veggie suggestions for winter containers (page 14). 
Pamela McGeorge (page 22) looks at gravel gardens – an appealing idea when after months of drought, its either raining or the grass is sodden when we mow our lawns. Gravel would combat winter mud too.

But there are lots to like about winter. No flies inside, no mosquitoes out, and there’s that ascetic appeal of gardens stripped of the other seasons’ froth and frill. Austere at times, but the perfect backdrop to star winter plants like those Mark Rayner suggests (page 20). What better way to warm the heart than a bright and beautiful bloom.

Susie Longdell,
Editor.