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supports are firmly in placeTrim hedges to keep them neat and to control their sizeBlitz leatherjackets (cranefly larvae), found now on lawns, with a suitable insecticide or biological control

Take cuttings of your favourite roses Tidy borders by cutting down perennials past their bestPrune out old stems of rambling roses that carried flowersPlant new conifer hedges and evergreen shrubsClear away faded bedding plants from borders

to stop leaves falling inRemove pumps and filters from ponds and water featuresEmpty ceramic and glazed pots to store under cover for winterCollect fallen leaves smothering alpines and other plantsOrder roses, hedging and fruit trees for winter planting

material around outdoor tapsOrder hedging plants, roses, trees and shrubs, and prepare the soil for plantingSpike compacted lawns and brush grit into the holes to improve drainageRemove pumps and filters from ponds and bubble fountainsDig over vacant soil

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

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

Check variegated shrubs for plain green shoots and prune them awayPlant out wallflowers, forget-me-nots, pansies and other spring beddingFork over vacant areas of soilDeadhead pansies regularly to keep the flowers comingPlant lily-of-the-valleyOrder hedging

in the shed over winterBuild log piles to provide winter hibernation sites for insects and small animalsCheck tree ties and loosen any that are too tightWrap insulation around outdoor taps and water pipesOrder bare-rooted hedging for winter planting

Save time by investing in a garden vac to scoop up fallen leaves, for leaf-mouldPlant bare-root trees, bare-root shrubs and hedgingRegularly wash and disinfect bird baths and feedersAvoid walking on lawns covered with frostEmpty the contents of well

Prune wisteria sideshoots to 10-15cm from their base, and tie in leading shoots to create a frameworkRake up fallen leaves that could be sheltering slugsCut down dead perennialsPlant bareroot trees and deciduous hedges such as beech and privet