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Collect fallen leaves from under rose bushes so they don't carry diseases over to next yearLift and divide congested clumps of perennialsPlant crocuses and dwarf bulbs in areas of rough grassMake sure tall, late-flowering chrysanthemums are well staked

Collect and compost autumn leaves Cut back suckers growing around the base of treesVisit garden centres to choose bulbs and bedding for spring displaysMow lawns less frequently now grass growth is slowing downComplete new lawn laying projects during

Plant tulip bulbs in groups to make drifts of spring colourAfter first frosts, lift and store dahlia tubers or leave in the ground but mulch heavilyPlant evergreen shrubs and conifers, including new hedgesLift tender cannas to avoid frost damage

Empty glazed pots that aren't frost-proof, and move under coverSend off for mail-order seed catalogues and start planning seed ordersScoop fallen leaves and rotting plant debris from pondsOrder summer-flowering bulbs such as lilies and gladioliGet hold of some

Trim autumn-flowering heathersCollect fallen rose leaves that could carry diseases over to next seasonPlant new rosesTransplant shrubs or small treesFinish planting tulip bulbsHang bird feeders over rose beds to attract birds to pick off overwintering pests

and out before putting up bubble polythene for insulationSow hardy annuals, like calendulas, in pots for early displaysCheck bulbs, corms and tubers in store for signs of rotWater sparingly in winter, taking care not to splash water aroundPick yellowing

bulbsDeadhead pansies regularlyPlant lily-of-the-valleyTie string or wire around conifers and yew to prevent heavy snow damaging branchesFill empty containers with winter heathers and trailing ivyFirm soil around roses loosened by stormsReplace wobbly

Water azaleas regularly with rainwaterTake the last chance to bring on forced indoor bulbs for festive decorationsWater potted fuchsias sparingly to prevent the compost drying out completelyTidy the greenhouse and pick faded leaves from pelargoniums

Prune the tops of standard roses to reduce wind rockKeep off lawns in frosty weather or if very wetPrune wisteria, shortening sideshoots to 10-15cm from their baseCheck tree ties are secureOrder dahlias, gladioli and other summer-flowering bulbsTie in the stems

cover before the other plants grow into the gaps. My frogs benefit, as they prefer sheltered ‘corridors’ of dense foliage to move undetected around the garden. Newly planted pots of spring bulbs get the same sprinkling of clover – I like to think its