IT’S not half been an expensive winter for plants.

Some of the greenery I have had for over 20 years has given up the ghost.

I have noticed while driving through town that lots of cordylines in gardens are looking worse for wear.

Because it tolerates cold weather better than many other tree-sized monocots, this plant is often used by people wishing to give a tropical, exotic look to their yards or gardens.

It has obviously been too cold for many to survive this year - unless they make a miraculous comeback.

I have lost four, along with two Canary palms, a costly tree palm, all my overwintering fuschias and geraniums, and many cacti, all kept in an unheated green house but well wrapped in fleece - as in previous years.

That’ll teach me.

Next year, before any long and freezing a winter sets in, I’ll buy extra fleece and a heater.

The nurseries will be rubbing their hands if keen gardeners like me decide to replace all lost stock.