By Debby Looney, gardening expert

The last week has definitely shown us the power of weather… it has also shown me all the things which need to be done before winter.

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Staking trees and large shrubs is so important, many have rocked loose, which is not too bad, as long as you firm them down as soon as possible. If the holes fill with water for any length of time, it will cause the roots to rot. Stake trees no higher than a third of their main stem, and preferably use two stakes on opposing sides to prevent the tree from snapping in the wind.

Polytunnels and glasshouses are also very vulnerable structures, and should be checked for tears or cracks regularly. Polytunnels, if they are in a very windy spot causing you worry, can be strengthened by putting netting over them and pinning that down. Any tears which occur should be taped as soon as possible using special polytunnel repair tape. This is UV and wet resistant, and does not work loose.

Timber fencing, pergolas and panels should also be checked as these can all rot, yet can look perfectly sound…until a storm blows through and lifts them. In my experience, pergolas can seem perfect, however they rot down near the ground and often the whole thing collapses unexpectedly.

Wind break can pose another headache during the winter, so it is worthwhile doing a thorough check and refastening any loose bits as well as cutting off any torn pieces.
It is not too late to do a bit of planting, especially bulbs can still be a good investment. Most places are selling their stock off at half price now, and bulbs can be planted into January, really. They will flower a bit later, but the following year they will be in sync with their natural flowering times again.

One of the best bedding plants for any weather is the Bellis, or the Batchelor's Buttons – small daisy flowers. They really cope with anything, and keep flowering cheerfully right until the end of March. Violas and Pansies are also great, and cyclamen are colourful additions to any pot, as long as they do not get too much rain on their heads.

As I often write, my favourite winter plant is heather, which thrives in bleak, windy or wet conditions.

This is a quiet time in the garden, though plenty of plans can be made, as well as preparations. Taking stock of what grew well for you, as well as what failed, should be recorded – either to avoid buying them next year, or to remedy the reason something did not do well. This is especially true for the vegetable and fruit garden. As part of my veg garden regeneration, I am building fruit cages. There was no fruit to be had this year, partly because I was too late checking, and partly because the birds were checking right on time! So, fruit cages it must be!