Today

So it's Christmas and everyone forgets the garden. Well don't, there is so much to do and enjoy.

Gardening website Shoot offers a list of helpful gardening tips for December.

Prune clustered, miniature, polyantha and dwarf roses
Examples include: Rosa 'Sexy Rexy', Rosa 'Pretty Polly', Rosa 'Frycassia', Rosa 'Arthur Bell', Rosa 'Cécile Brunner', Rosa 'Chinatown', Rosa 'Fragrant Delight'

When the rose is dormant, in late winter to early spring, cut back main stems to 20-25cm (8-10in) above ground.

Note: Miniature, polyantha and dwarf roses are simply smaller versions of cluster-flowered roses. The pruning technique for these is the same as cluster-flowered roses, just on a smaller scale. Cut back stems and sides hoots of dwarf/miniature bushes by one-third to one-half.

Always prune out dead, damaged and diseased wood first, and always cut above a healthy outward facing bud with sharp, clean secatures.

Prune summer flowering (group 2) clematis
Examples include: Clematis x durandii, Clematis 'Gillian Blades', Clematis 'Henryi', Clematis 'Lasurstern', Clematis 'Abundance', Clematis 'Alba Luxurians', Clematis 'Rouge Cardinal'

Prune large-flowered cultivars, which generally flower in May-June on short laterals developed on the previous year’s growth, some flower again in summer on current season’s growth.

Remove dead and damaged stems in early spring before growth begins, trimming all remaining stems to a pair of strong buds. For renovation, thin shoots in spring by removing older ones to the base.

Prune campsis
After planting, it is a good idea to cut back all the stems to six inches from the ground to stimulate new, healthy growth. Select three of the healthiest stems and remove the rest. These strong stems can then be initially trained against your wall or trellis. Further training depends on which species of campsis you are growing. Campsis grandiflora will always need support, whereas Campsis radicans will self-cling when established with its more vigorous aerial roots.

After 2-3 years of growth, or once the plant has reached the final height you require, spur prune side shoots annually in late winter to early spring to within two to three buds of the main stems. Remove any weak growth and cut back damaged stems close to the base.

Check back early next month for January's top gardening tips. Happy gardening!