How do I keep the lawn in good condition?
Remove all leaf debris from the lawn, using a spring tine rake, and then compost. If ground conditions are favourable (no frosts), aeration with a mechanical aerator or fork will encourage deeper root growth, which in turn will increase drought resistance.

How would you protect and disguise garden furniture during winter?
Wash surface algae off wooden garden furniture to reduce the moisture penetration. when the furniture is dry, apply an oil treatment. Buy or make natural woven wood or bamboo panels to protect and disguise garden furniture in materials other than wood.

What are your most effective winter planting combinations?
Silver birch (Betula utilis jacquemontii) is striking. For extra effect, I like to underplant it with Bergenia 'Bressingham Ruby', which copes with shade and gives a great display of purple leaves, followed in early March by cerise flowers. Drifts of Tulipa 'Little Beauty' complete the winter picture for me.

Richard Todd
Head gardener, Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire, 01223 810080, www.nationaltrust.org.uk.