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In November and December, the first frosts have struck. It's time to put away tender perennials, begin judicious cutting-back and sweep up the fallen leaves.

The garden is laid bare, but beauty is still found in the skeletal structures of fading plants. Holly, box and yew reveal their evergreen glory, and the perfume of viburnum and mahonia tempts insects still bravely on the wing.

In the woodland garden, under the leaf-litter, the first snowdrops are already beginning to appear. As Carol plants her tulip bulbs, thoughts turn to spring.