CLEAN UP TO PROTECT OUR BIRDS 

Britain is still suffering from the worst epidemic of bird flu since records began. 

Birds which habitually flock in winter — starlings, titmice, lapwings, etc — are especially vulnerable and many are already dying. 

Gathering on feeding tables unfortunately also helps to spread the disease. 

If you feed such visitors, including house sparrows, pictured, to your garden regularly, step up your hygiene routines. Clean and scrub feeders, bird tables etc with extra care. 

Frequently clear up debris below your feeder. 

Remember too, that avian influenza can jump species to infect other animals, including humans in rare circumstances. Domestic birds — hens, ducks etc — can also carry bird flu and must be kept under cover. 

After feeding or handling poultry or collecting eggs, wash your hands thoroughly. 

This pernicious disease has not only destroyed millions of wild birds, but has also invaded commercial flocks of laying hens, geese and ducks — as well as Christmas turkeys. 

And the devastating Spanish flu epidemic which began in 1918 is thought to have killed at least 50 million people around the world. 

That is said to have started on a duck farm in the United States. So please be cautious and keep things clean.

WAKEY, WAKEY 

Snowdrops, yellow aconites and other small, winter-flowering bulbs are waking up now. With climate change, many appear and even flower prematurely. Take care, if you do any digging or disturb the ground where winter bulbs grow. You can take advantage of cosy spots at the feet of south-facing walls and plant extra-early bulbs. Yellow Crocus ancyrensis or striped C. imperati could provide flowers soon after New Year’s Day.

LET THE DRAUGHT IN 

With the shortest day approaching and falling temperatures, overwintering greenhouse plants are prone to fungal diseases. These can appear as mildews, rusts and leaves becoming soggy and moribund. Reduce those problems with ventilation, on a sunny day, open your greenhouse vents for a short spell. As little as 20 minutes of fresh air can help. But open up only when weather permits. 

READER’S QUESTION 

I am confused. What is the difference is between pine, spruce and fir trees? Or are they synonyms? 

Douglas Johnson, London 

Pines belong to the genus Pinus of which there are 120 species. Our only native is Scots pine Pinus sylvestris. Most pines have long needles, arranged in pairs. 

Among the 30 known spruce species, Picea abies, Norway Spruce is the most popular for Christmas trees. The trees have a pleasant aroma but carry sharp-tipped needles and drop copiously in a warm room. 

Fir, Abies has 50 species including A. nordmanniana which makes the best indoor Christmas tree as needles are not prickly and never drop.