No need for guilt about putting jobs on to do list

Things to do in the garden

• Relax and enjoy the holidays

• Don’t forget to feed the birds

The shortest day came and went a couple of weeks ago – it’s now midwinter and hopefully we’ve had all the bad weather we’re going to get this winter.

Most of us are in holiday mode and it’s the one time of the year I can look out at the garden and see lots to be done but not feel guilty for putting it on the to do list.

You can do more harm than good working on wet soil, so apart from pruning roses and tidying up beds and borders, take a welcome break.

Most plants are now in their dormant period and many have lost their leaves, but evergreens are coming to the fore.

The garden and the countryside at this time of the year take on a different look and if you’re out for a walk over the holiday season, you will notice ivy, ferns and many other plants in their natural habitat.

The birds have eaten most of the berries and there’s an almost restful feel about nature.

In Westmeath, we are so lucky to have so many beautiful country walks – make the most of them.

Around the house, have a look at the garden – areas that need a little bit of winter colour will make themselves very obvious, and I will deal with that in the coming weeks.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a very happy new year.

Put the feet up and we’ll get back gardening soon.