In this generally mild climate, some weeds flower almost all year round. Those performing now in Dublin gardens include chickweed, hairy bittercress, spurge and speedwell. Whip them out now to stop them slyly setting seed and spilling it about the place. Garlic should be planted now, as it likes a spell of cold to coax it into growth. Healthy, plump bulbs from the supermarket or greengrocer's will work just as well as those bought at the garden centre. Separate the cloves and plant them pointed end up, two inches deep and six inches apart in well-drained soil in full sun. And while you're at it, pop in a few cloves under the rose bushes where they are supposed to ward off fungal diseases, including black spot.