Many people think that as autumn slips coldly into winter, then us gardeners can rest on our laurels for a few months. That we put our gardens ‘to bed’, sharpen, oil and carefully stow away our tools and then spend the next few months buried under the duvet reading seed catalogues.

I’m sorry to disillusion all you non-gardening types, but that’s not actually the case. Not for me anyway. The only rest that my secateurs might get is a week in late February when hopefully, I might be off for an annual holiday.

Some of my gardens I do put to bed, but for some of the larger ones there is actually more to do at this time of year than there is in high summer. For example, there are always plenty of pruning jobs to spread over the winter months - fruit trees, wisteria and roses to mention a few. And occasionally the odd shrub that has grown too big for it’s boots or may need thinning out now that it can be seen in all it’s naked glory.

Then there are the maintenance jobs - a trellis which has come adrift, wires on walls that have become loose or broken. We don’t see these when they’re covered in lush foliage, so now’s the perfect time.

One of my favourite jobs is a very secret garden in the centre of Ludlow. I go there once a year, usually starting in November or December and gradually, over a period of weeks (depending on the weather), work my way around all the borders - weeding, cutting back, raking, snipping, pruning and generally tidying everything that comes into my path.

I am her ‘treat’. She calls me her Christmas present to herself, as when I have finished, the garden will be a clean slate ready for spring to come bouncing in.

Already the Aconites will have appeared, peppering the long border like a handful of carelessly tossed yellow marbles. And with the leaves cleared away, the clumps of Snowdrops can appear and gracefully bow their heads in approval.

It is so satisfying - not only for the owner of the garden, but for me too. When I have finished, it’s a hands-on-hips moment complete with smug smile and the words - “Yup, job well done.”

This year she said to me - “I wonder why more people don’t get in a winter gardener?” She feels it is such a relief knowing that she doesn’t have to do anything except wait for all that glorious re-growth in the spring.

And for me as the winter gardener, I find it hugely satisfying. Plus there’s something rather special about being a ‘Christmas Treat’.