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or perennialsSpread a thick mulch of bark over the crown of tender plants, such as fuchsias, dahlias and cannasPrune summer-flowering clematis, cutting stems back to emerging buds close to soil level

Clear faded growth of golden hops and annual climbers from pergolas and trellisPlant bare-root roses in well-prepared soilTransplant shrubs and conifers that have outgrown their positionCut down chrysanthemums to soil level after floweringMake leaf

Sow sweet peas in deep pots and pinch out shoot tips once two pairs of leaves have developedCut back old stems of mallow (Lavatera) to ground level, taking care not to harm new shootsPlant hedging plantsPrune down stems of dogwoods, willows, cotinus

Use secateurs to remove suckers growing from the stems of standard rosesTie tall border plants like delphiniums to their supportsFinish planting out dahlias, cannas and summer beddingCut back dead and dying foliage on spring bulbsDeadhead camellias

Lift, divide and replant congested flag irises after floweringDeadhead border perennials like delphiniums and lupins to encourage a second flush of bloomsPick dead flowers off rhododendronsDeadhead roses to encourage more flowersCut back ceanothus

Cut back overgrown honeysucklePick berried winter shrubs, flowers and evergreen leaves for seasonal decorations indoorsPlant bare-rooted hedging, roses, trees and shrubsPick faded flowers and yellowing leaves from pansies and winter bedding

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

Cut down willows and dogwoods to their base to promote strong new canes Finish taking hardwood cuttings from shrubs, trees and rosesPlant bare-root roses, hedging, trees and shrubsPick off hellebore leaves with black blotches as this is a symptom

cuttings from dogwoodsPick off faded flowers from winter-flowering pansies to prevent them setting seed

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