Plants die from too much water more often than any other cause.
Frost and cold damage is the worst winter killer so take precautions.
As a careless gardener I dig up the wrong thing at times and I should protect my plants by taking more care and marking the location of plants that die back.

Keep dormant plants dry

• Potted plants that become dormant need to be kept dry to avoid root rot.
• Put a cover of glass or slate over pots of Eucomis and Rhodohypoxis
• Dahlias and Cannas can be listed or left in pots under the shelter of a house roof

Mulch

• Cover alpines with a mulch of fine grit. The leaves of Lewisia and other small plants can suffer in the wet.
• Perennial bulbs of dubious hardiness can be left in the ground if covered with a thick mulch. Hold it down with chicken wire if the area is windy.
• A thick covering of garden compost protects my hardy Fuchsias, Delphiniums and Peonies through winter.

Wrap and Cosset

• Tree ferns need to be wrapped in hessian or have a straw blanket wrapped around the crown.
• Keep the wrapping open for good air circulation or the plant may rot.
• A wind break can have a surprisingly good effect in protecting some plants.
• Banana plants should have the trunk well wrapped. The roots will withstand some cold.
• Fleece is a good blanket for use during inclement conditions.

Shelter

• It may seem obvious that a greenhouse can offer winter shelter to tender plants.
• Agave and Agapanthus will benefit from being under cover during winter.
• Indoor plants should stay indoors, that is why they are called houseplants. Keep them off cold window sills in winter.
• Fuchsias and Pelargoniums should be lifted and brought in to a frost free area.