HAVE the vibrant cyclamen in shades of red pink and white you planted last year been caught by frost? If so, you can revive them, according to The Cyclamen Society.

While several species are extremely hardy, none of them are at their happiest in frosty conditions and they react in different ways. C. hederifolium, which flowers in autumn, and C. coum, which flowers in late winter, will go limp and their leaves will darken almost to black in frosty conditions but they will recover, especially if allowed to do so slowly, out of direct sunlight.

Other species may have their leaves 'cut back' by frost but the tuber will survive provided not planted at the surface.

At the other extreme, cyclamen will survive considerable heat when dormant though few species appreciate a severe baking.

Many cyclamen prefer partial shade but all must have good drainage because if they don't, the tubers will rot. All species appreciate extra grit being incorporated into the soil.

Jobs to do this week: Look out for signs of canker and prune out all dead, diseased or dying branches from apple and pear, leaving plum and cherry until next summer to reduce the likelihood of contamination by silver leaf disease.

Ensure any mummified fruits resulting from brown rot are removed from trees to avoid spreading the fungus to next year's crop.

Entice birds to feed on aphids and other pests by hanging fat in trees or suspend from bamboo canes set among fruit bushes and canes Prune greenhouse vines while they are still dormant and remove loose bark which may harbour pests.

Bring in pots of forced bulbs for indoor flowering when ready.

Protect winter-flowering bulbous irises in the garden from severe cold or damp.

Keep off the lawn if it is waterlogged or frozen.