Winter is shortening and the bulbs are already beginning to appear signalling signs of next season.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Alan North prunes at Audley EndAlan North prunes at Audley End (Image: Archant)

As temperatures and light levels increase it should certainly feel like the worst of the weather is over. This is the right time to start clearing the beds and preparing your garden for spring.

- At Audley End we turn our attention to pruning roses in February. We have a wonderful display of old fashioned roses throughout the garden in early summer. To ensure they perform well and produce plenty of flowers we give them an annual prune at this time of year. The aim of pruning is to improve flowering, to maintain a balanced shape and to keep them healthy. The pruning technique depends on the type of rose and some need more pruning then others. For each type of rose you should first remove all dead, diseased and damaged wood, as well as any weak or spindly young shoots. Following that, aim for well spaced stems that allow free air flow, cut to outward facing buds and to the appropriate height and size that suits your space. And wear some good gloves!

- It is also the time to winter prune wisteria. The aim with wall grown wisterias is to train out main branches to cover available space, without overcrowding and crossing branches. Cut back side shoots now to 6-12 inches to encourage optimum flowering, however avoid pruning into old wood.

- As bulbs being to emerge in your border continue to clear away last years perennials if they are looking untidy. If skeletal plants are still standing then leave until the end of the month for the wildlife and added protection for the new shoots.

- Cut back last years autumn fruiting raspberry canes to the ground as they fruit on this years wood. Add a mulch of compost to give the plants a boost.

This is the perfect time to come and see the snowdrops and aconites that meander through the Lime Walk towards the Temple of Concord – they are not to be missed. I hope to see you soon.

Do you have any gardening questions or queries you would like to ask Alan? Contact editor@saffronwalden-reporter.co.uk or editor@dunmow-broadcast.co.uk to put them to him.