TO LOVE: Molinia caerulea (Purple Moorgrass)

The flower stems of some Molinia cultivars can reach up to a very impressive 2.5 metres. This mainstay of prairie and wild gardens forms tight clumps of slightly greyish rich green leaves, while the panicles of flowers start green and turn a rich buff in autumn. The stems are wind resistant and should persist until at least early winter, dying back to a woody base, although many leaves and stems may persist in sheltered gardens. Likes good to moist soil in full sun, but is surprisingly tolerant for a grass which is abundant on the moors of the Highlands and Islands - though rarely reaching its full height on those impoverished soils. Useful to provide height without bulk in a small garden - look for "Windspiel" and "Skyracer".

TO DO

There are many simple maintenance tasks that often get overlooked in the hustle and bustle of the gardening year; if you're taking time off over the holiday season, use it to catch up.

Gardening tools should be cleaned and oiled, and take a minute to check that handles are securely attached. Did you put the lawnmower away without cleaning it? Give it a brush underneath and a wipe over, then book it in for a service before the grass starts growing again. The wheelbarrow tyre may need a quick pumping up and the bearings can be oiled. If it's a metal barrow, a quick coat of anti-rust paint will prolong its working life.

Washing down all the glass in the greenhouse will increase the light levels for perennials and overwintering plants, and a good sweep and clean of the benches will reduce the number of pests taking refuge. Don't overdo the tidying up, as some of the overwintering creatures may be beneficial. Toads, for example, will be keen to snap up slugs and snails - so leave them some cover.

Sorting out all seed packets according to when they need sowing sounds a bit obsessive, but saves hours of fiddling around once it's time to sow. A shoebox and a packet of elastic bands, dividers with the months written on them and, when the time comes, you just take the appropriate bundle out. Trust me, you'll be glad you did.

If the weather's too severe for venturing out in, use the time to plan the year ahead. Freed from the need to weed, mow or sow, you can spend some time looking at the structure of the garden. Would that path look better if it was wider, or it was curved slightly? Is it time for a trellis on that wall or should that shrub be moved? In the milder days of early spring before new growth begins most plants can be moved quite safely. The lovely thing about planning is that it can be done from a comfortable sofa. Happy Christmas.

TO READ : Gardens Of Scotland 2009 (Scotland's Gardens Scheme, £5.50)

Looking for a last-minute present for a gardener? Buy them this unassuming little paperback and open a world of horticultural magic for them next year. This is the famed "Yellow Book", listing all the gardens open in aid of the wonderful Scotland's Gardens Scheme, which raises funds each year for charities including The Gardens Fund of the National Trust for Scotland, and Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres. Most of these gardens are not otherwise open to the public, many have wonderful plant stalls where you may be able to find a rare treasure at a ridiculously low price, and there are usually teas and homebaking on sale too. You can learn so much by seeing what other gardeners have done, while falling in love with a plant growing in a garden near your home may inspire you to try it out. On sale in all good bookshops.