It has always been my firm belief that one should avoid major plantings in Bermuda ? with rare exceptions ? between the months of December and March. The last week or so have proved the point, with searing salt laden winds and heavy rains doing nothing but 'damage' to most gardens.

Little if anything is gained by planting when such conditions are likely to occur and just the opposite usually happens; what started out as a healthy plant is literally blown from pillar to post and stripped of its foliage, often creating a poor root system in the long term. Basically all garden tasks cease with such weather conditions, except for lawns over-seeded with rye grass, lawns require little if any attention from a mowing standpoint ? winter weeds do grow and are easily controlled ? fertilising stops both on lawns and plant beds, pests usually slow down in activity levels, and some fungal problems occur with the 'damp' conditions.

Inclement weather makes most work in the garden difficult and to a degree unpleasant and with this in mind one should consider working indoors by giving some attention to houseplants or growing seed for flowers, vegetables or herbs in the slat/tunnel house which should have a covering of plastic to retain heat and protect plants from rain.

Houseplants by their very nature require attention at least twice a year, but in most cases they are lucky if they are checked annually. Houseplants often live a pretty miserable existence and often survive in the most "difficult" of places with little if any chance of breathing fresh air! First and foremost, take the plants to the slat house or potting shed and check the root system and pot size, if the roots are healthy but appear 'pot bound' its time to upgrade to a larger pot. This will also replenish the compost and plant nutrients.

Keep the plant out of drafts and strong sunlight, but give it "fresh air" to perk it up, leave it in a protected area for several weeks before moving it back inside, which will usually benefit the plant in the long term. Check foliage for any pest and disease symptoms and if present treat accordingly. Large plants need room to grow and should not be placed in areas that are not conducive to growth; avoid using aerosol sprays around plants as leaf burn can be caused from such sprays, the same can be said for alcohol cigars and cigarettes!

For those who like to "potter" this is an opportune time to start dividing plants or creating additional interest for the house; several old fashioned interests are being revived by designers and include plant collections grown in unusual containers such as plant stands, indoor landscapes in armoires, garden rooms as part of a conservatory, wardian cases and carboys. Being creative can be fun and sometimes frustrating, especially when planting carboys, but the finished product especially when admired by others rewards patience.

Whilst working through the potting/health check process, take time out to work with the more unusual species such as cacti, succulents, orchids, ferns and bromeliads.

February is a good month to browse the catalogues and seek unusual plants to try for the first time, or just to order the old faithfuls that have proved true and trusty over the years. Seed companies offer seed by quantity or weight, determine your requirements and then check the number of seeds per gram or part of an ounce before ordering too many of the one thing. For those who like to try new items start with small quantities, and read the requirements to ensure the plant will be happy in its proposed location. Avoid importing seedling plants at this time of year, the vagaries of Mother Nature being too great for success.

Many plants are grown from seed so one is not limited just to annuals or herbs, but for those who wish to experiment and try unusual items, consider growing some of the more common cacti and succulents, vines, shrubs and even trees. For obvious reasons ? pest and diseases ? the importation of palm seed is not allowed into Bermuda. Seeds by their very nature require certain conditions to germinate and many do so at different rates, i.e. seed can germinate over a period of time and not 'all at once', so be patient and don't throw seed trays out until you are sure you have enough plants for your needs. Sowing annuals now will give a good show of colour come spring, in addition for those who like to pick fresh herbs use some of the bench space to growing a variety of your favourites.

The February blues fortunately only lasts for 28 days, spring is hopefully just around the corner, so aim to complete all those jobs you have put off, for come the spring, tempus fugit!