With many areas of the UK experiencing cold weather and snow, experts are sharing top tips on protecting the garden from damage.

Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, has issued a stark warning for green-fingered Brits as he said: "We can expect to see snow blanketing gardens across the UK this week."

He stressed the importance of taking action to protect your garden from the frosty weather, advising: "To make sure your garden endures the chill, it's important to take some preventative measures including covering up tender plants and protecting shrubs and trees."

Mr Bonnett also highlighted the necessity of watering, explaining: "It's also important to keep your plants watered because they might struggle to draw up water from their roots if the soil is frozen or covered in snow."

For those worried about their delicate flora, the gardening guru recommended: "Tender plants, perennials and any newly planted plants need some extra care during snowy and cold weather."

He suggested using an upturned bucket or flower pot for insulation and mentioned that horticultural fleece is an effective option, which can be bought in bulk and tailored to fit, reports the Express.

The expert further advised on safeguarding larger plants, saying: "Larger shrubs and trees can be wrapped with burlap or special tree wraps to shield the trunks of young or sensitive trees from snow and ice."

He added a crucial tip for plant maintenance: "It's also important to shake off excess snow from branches to prevent them from bending or breaking under the weight."

For potted plants, Chris recommended: "If you have plants in pots, it is recommended to move them to a sheltered spot and wrap the sides up. This is especially important if you have terracotta pots which are highly susceptible to cracking when the weather is cold. He warned especially against the risks for terracotta pots, which are prone to cracking in cold conditions.

He added: "If you have garden furniture outside then it's best to move it into the shed or garage. If that's not possible then you can also move it to a more sheltered part of your garden. Another option is to protect the furniture with special covers.

"To ensure the best protection against moisture, it's recommended to choose waterproof covers." Brits are also advised to avoid treading on snow-covered lawns as it could harm the grass underneath. Chris explains this is due to the compaction of the snow, which restricts the grass from breathing and receiving nutrients.

However, it's crucial to keep watering plants even in chilly weather, preferably in the afternoon when it's warmest. The expert pointed out: "Plants can still lose moisture from their leaves and might not be able to absorb water from their roots if the soil is frozen or covered in snow. If you have a pond in your garden then it's important to take measures to keep your fish and pond plants safe and well when temperatures plummet."

"If the pond freezes over then break a hole in the ice to allow for gas exchange. If there's snow on the ice, make sure to clear it to allow light into the pond."