Not many bedding plants actually flower during the deep, winter months. For flowering success a lot depends on how harsh the winter is.

We have had a run of very mild winters making it all too easy to forget what a really hard winter in the Pennine foothills is like. If we get a bad one, the plants should survive without too much damage, but flowering will be delayed until spring.

Normally, Winter Pansy blooms will appear in mild spells throughout the winter before coming into full flower in early spring.

F1 hybrid Polyanthus and Primrose plants produce some autumn and winter flowers before a main spring flush.

Ornamental Cabbage, Kale and winter-flowering Heathers are also useful. The newer varieties of Viola will flower right into December, but don't expect much after that until the spring.

Spring-flowering bedding plants such as Wallflowers and Myosotis (forget-me-nots) can be found listed under Biennial Bedding.

FOUR PLANTS FOR £1.06p:

UNIVERSAL WINTER FLOWERING PANSIES.

These are some of the best Winter Pansies, making new flower buds again in fewer days (after being frozen) than many other sorts. We grow over a dozen separate colours, available in single-colour packs. Deadheading is essential. If you forget, the plants may stop flowering until they have shed their seeds. 15cm (6 inches).

VIOLA. F1 hybrid varieties.

Treat like pansies. Violas will, however, stand dryer summer conditions. 10cm (4 inches).

PANSY AND VIOLA NOTICE - During mild spells check them out for greenfly infestations. Survivors from the previous summer may be hiding in dry leaf-litter and take this opportunity to invade your plants; natural predators are not likely to be present. If this happens you must take action as greenfly can kill pansies at any time of the year. The first indication is often when leaves curl or buckle due to the pest attacking the undersides of the leaves.

FOUR PLANTS FOR £1.42:

ORNAMENTAL CABBAGE.

Compact growth, leaves variegated with pink, red (we think it looks more like purple) or cream. Generally, the colder it gets the more intense the colour. 30cm (12 inches). Sold as a non-edible variety, but the slugs and caterpillars still find them enjoyable.

ORNAMENTAL KALE.

The same colours as the cabbage, but the leaves are finely serrated and the growth more open. 37½cm (15 inches). Sold as a non-edible variety, but as above for pests.

WINTER FLOWERING HEATHERS 72p EACH:

Various heights, colour of leaf and flower. For more details see under Heathers on the Perennials page.

WINTER FLOWERING PRIMULAS (grown in individual pots):

All varieties are priced at 79p each and may be aggregated in any combination to obtain the discount of FIVE FOR £3.25 (65p each for five or more):

F1 HYBRID POLYANTHUS.

Mixed colours or available in separate varieties: red , pink, white, blue, lemon-yellow or deep golden-yellow. 20cm (8 inches).

F1 HYBRID PRIMROSES.

Mixed colours only. 15cm (6 inches).

PRIMULA WANDA.

Can also be used, but will usually only flower in spring. For more details see under Primulas on the Perennials page.