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, trimming off faded blooms, digging out weeds and replenishing mulches of gritKeep a few bedding plants in reserve to plug gaps where disasters strike

around border plantsCut down annuals, add the material to the compost heap and fork over the bedsLay new lawns from turfStart to plant tulips in pots and bordersPile bark mulch over the crowns of hardy fuchsias to provide extra protection

Divide large clumps of crocosmia and replant into freshly prepared soilSpread a thick mulch of compost or bark over the soil around dahlias and agapanthus

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

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

I have just ordered a whopping great pile of manure. A couple of weeks ago we finished cutting everything back and hunting down any perennial weeds that were hiding beneath the plants in readiness for mulching: had it not snowed we would have

. Look forward to a blaze of fiery reds, russet browns, oranges and butter yellows.AcerLarge potCompost (equal-part mix of ericaceous compost and John Innes No.3)CrocksDecorative mulchNovember - February20 minutesGather together everything you need

. Avoid disturbing the soil deeply as this will bring dormant seeds to the surface. Mulch around plants with 5cm layer of garden compost or composted bark mulch.Spray young plants with a contact weedkiller before they get chance to flower. freshly

minutesAloe variegata x4Decorative slate mulchSquare terrazzo planterCrocksFree-draining compost made from equal parts of loam-based compost and horticultural gritCover the bottom of the planter with a layer of crocks.Fill the container two thirds

, firming with your boot to remove any air pockets.Water in well then spread a thick layer of compost around the shrub. Water weekly until it's leafy and well established.AdamUse bark mulch around the newly planted shrub for an attractive finish