GARDENING TIPS

Although weather conditions vary from year to year, Britain is more likely to have snow in January than in December. While the shortest day is now behind us, the combined effect of the diminished hours of light and the declining power of the sun has been to cool down the earth and the atmosphere above it. Though the days are now beginning to grow longer again, it will take several weeks for the effects to become apparent, so January remains on average the coldest month, with the cold often continuing into February. When the sky is overcast the sun may be able to struggle through, and in such conditions the temperature may remain at around freezing-point both by day and by night. It is, however, when the sky is clear and the sun's rays bring a touch of warmth during the day that night temperatures are likely to plunge below freezing point, and that is when garden plants on the borderline of hardiness suffer most. In such a situation a covering of straw or bracken, some bushy pea sticks or a piece of sacking rigged up before nightfall could make the difference between life and death for the plants. A covering of snow may provide just the right blanket if left intact until it melts. It is, however, wise to shake snow off the branches of trees and shrubs, if allowed to build up, its weight may cause them to break, though the Christmas Rose is a perfectly hardy plant, its flowers can be spoiled by heavy rain and splashes of mud unless it is given some protection, a frame light, or a pane of glass, resting on bricks at the corners, will serve the purpose, or a cloche will do. If you cut a bloom or two just as they are opening and bring them indoors, they will last for weeks in a vase of water.

Embarrassing Stories

Over lunch I was moaning to a new colleague about a friend of mine who seemed to have had more boyfriends than I had hot dinners. I went into detail about how she annoyed me and was actually very bitchy about her. (I am ashamed to say!) It turned out that the colleague was related to her!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS NEW YEAR

Every New Year, after the excesses of Christmas, it's traditional to take stock of your life and make resolutions. This New Year, The National Blood Service (NBS) is encouraging people in Anglia to make a New Year's resolution that will really make a difference - giving blood.

Gareth Bell, communications officer for the NBS explained, "It takes just an hour to give blood and that gift could help to save several lives. Only five per cent of the eligible population currently donate so we're hoping that people will make every effort this New Year to become a regular blood donor". He added, "The New Year is a good time to take stock of your life and plan any changes for the year ahead and we would like new, lapsed and regular donors to make a special New Year's resolution to give blood. New Year's resolutions can be difficult to keep, so to make it easier, make a joint effort with a friend or member of your family."

To be potentially eligible to become a blood donor you must be aged 17-59, weigh over 7st 12lbs (50kg) and be in good health. New, returning and regular donors are all welcome to attend local blood donor sessions.

For further information about blood donation please call the National Blood Service helpline on 08457 711 711 or log onto www.blood.co.uk