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Cut late-summer-flowering clematis right down to soil levelDivide congested clumps of perennials such as asters, campanulas, rudbeckias and chrysanthemums after floweringPlant bare-rooted rosesDig up and compost exhausted summer beddingPlant out

Cut back ornamental miscanthus grass before new shoots start developingTrim back ivy and Virginia creeper from around windows and gutteringClear away dead foliage from perennials, chop it up and add to the compost heapRemove weeds from borders

Take cuttings from pansies and violas Pot up tender perennials grown outside and bring under cover when cold nights are forecastPrune rambling roses after floweringGrow bulbs in aquatic baskets ready to drop into gaps in the border in spring

Collect seed from allium seedheads and sow straight away into seed compostPlant evergreen shrubs and conifer hedgesCarefully dig up gladioli corms and overwinter in cool, dry storage conditionsLift and pot up tender perennials to protect over winter

the remainsTransplant shrubs that have outgrown their positionLift and store dahlia tubers once their leaves are blackened by frostPrune rambling roses after floweringRake autumn leaves from lawns and pick them out of borders for compostingPile bark mulch over

Make last-minute pickings of fresh flowers for the houseSpread compost on to flower beds for worms to work in over winterCollect fallen leaves showing signs of blackspot from around rosesFork compost into borders, but take care not to spike emerging

setting seed, and to keep plants looking tidyWater hanging baskets and pots of summer-flowering bedding plants. Never let compost completely dry out or it can be very difficult to re-wet

roses, cutting out old stems that carried flowers and training in new shootsTake lavender cuttings by pulling off new shoots and inserting them in gritty compostCut back perennials past their best

Buy tulips now while they're fresh in garden centres, but hold off planting till next month Plant daffodils, hyacinths and crocus in potsLift and pot up tender perennials to protect over winterClear away faded summer bedding and annuals, composting

Plant out container-grown roses and shrubsFork compost into flower beds to prepare soil for summer beddingTie in new growth on climbing plants, such as clematis, wisteria and honeysuckle, to supportsPick off faded flowers from camellias, azaleas