Today

It might still be cold and wet, but there's plenty to do in the garden in February.

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

Prune main stems of large bush, tea and hybrid perpetual roses

Examples include: Rosa 'Blessings', Rosa 'Savoy Hotel Harvintage', Rosa 'Deep Secret', Rosa 'A Shropshire Lad'.

In late winter to early spring, cut out any dead, damaged or diseased stems first. Then you are left with healthy strong stems.

Cut back main stems to 20-25cm (8-10in) above ground or 45-60cm (18-24in). Reduce side shoots to two or three buds or 10-15cm (4-6in). Always prune to just above a healthy, outward facing bud with sharp, clean secatures. Remove weak and spindly shoots (less than 'pencil thickness').

For renewal, cut back one-third of the oldest stems almost to the base in the first year. In subsequent years remove a further one-third each year.

Prune late flowering (group 3) clematis

Examples include: Clematis 'Jackmanii', Clematis Viticella Group 'Polish Spirit', Clematis texensis 'Princess Diana', Clematis texensis 'Gravetye Beauty', Clematis Viticella Group 'Etoile Violette'

Prune large-flowered cultivars, small-flowered species and their cultivars, and herbaceous species (all of these flower in late summer on the current season's growth).

Cut back all growth to a pair of strong buds 6-7 inches above soil level, before growth begins in early spring.

At the same time check that the roots of the plant are shaded. If not, place some stones on the soil around the stems as Clematis like 'their heads in the sun but feet in the shade', this also helps prevent clematis wilt.