Some of the proteas are just coming into flower now, a lovely surprise this late in the autumn. They light up these grey November days on the Dee Estuary.

• Protea Leucadendron ‘Safari Sunset’,

• Protea neriifolia 'Whiteknight’

• Protea Cynaroides ‘Little Prince’

• Leucadendron ‘Winter Red’

Once the flowers have been and gone, I will cut the stems back to keep a compact shape to the plants. Essential maintenance if they are grown in pots, and it will help promote flowering for next season .