Winter may be a quiet time for our gardens, but it is a great opportunity when it comes to forward planning and clearing space ready for the next season.

As the weather turns and you feel more inclined to stay indoors, there's no reason to neglect your outdoor space. In fact, there are certainly a few key task for your to-do list through winter.

As plants begin to wilt with the drop in temperature, take the time to tend to your borders. Cutting back perennials and levelling ground will help the local insect population, and you can spread a layer of compost or bark to protect the ground to offer the creepy-crawlies some living space.

Safety calls for a good clean too. Clear the autumnal leaves from walkways to ensure there are no slips just before Christmas. Leaves are known for their hazardous slippery nature, not just for us, but also for trains!

When thinking about preparing the garden for winter, it’s easy to forget furniture. Keep wooden furniture under wraps and consider carrying out maintenance now to prepare them for the change in weather.

One positive of the slower period is the chance it gives us to carry out maintenance on our tools. Many gardening tools can deteriorate as they are used daily – treat them to a good scrub. You can use sandpaper to remove rust and sharpen them for the new year.