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Are you snowed under with seed catalogues? It seems that even before the summer stutters to an end we have to start thinking about next year.I don't usually grow much in the way of annuals in my garden (apart from dahlias and poppies, of course

794Buckland Monachorum, Yelverton, Devon01822 854 769www.thegardenhouse.org.ukPL20 7LQOpen 1 Mar-31 Oct, daily, 10am-5pm. Adults/OAPs £7.30, children (5-16) £3.parking,toilets,part-disabled,plants,refreshments,food-drink,public-transport

Taking root cuttings couldn't be easier and it's the ideal way to increase your stock of perennials, such as phlox, rhus, mint, Japanese anemones and Primula denticulata (see picture). Take cuttings now and you'll be potting up new plants in spring. Garden fork Sharp knifeLarge p...

of gladioli corms in bordersGive azaleas and acid-loving shrubs a generous feed with acidic (ericaceous) fertiliserPlant out sweet pea seedlings sown last autumnSupport oriental poppies with canes to prevent them flopping

and out to let in more lightTake root cuttings of perennials including phlox and oriental poppiesPlant hippeastrum bulbsUse rainwater to keep the compost of potted azaleas constantly moistVentilate greenhouses on warm, dry days

poppy and teasel seed headsMaking home-made Christmas decorations from berries and rosehipsMaking Christmas candlesChristmas pansy container projectMaking a Christmas wreath

to it for supportCut down pulmonarias and doronicum, then drench the soil around them with a liquid feedLift and divide clumps of primulasCut back the foliage of daffodils to clear beds for summer plantingTrim leaves and faded flowers from oriental poppies

, and dig deeply to sieve out roots of perennial weeds, such as bindweed, ground elder and couch grass Improve compacted soil by mixing in extra compost. Take care not to walk on or dig up spring bulbsTake root cuttings from phlox and oriental poppiesPot up

Take root cuttings from Japanese anemones and oriental poppiesPot up prepared hyacinths into bowls for indoor displaysPot up rooted cuttings taken in summer and early autumnPlant paper-white narcissi in potsRemove shading paint and netting to let

Take root cuttings of oriental poppies Check stakes and ties are secure on trees and climbersMove containers of shrubs or winter bedding to a sheltered spot when conditions turn very coldPlant new rose bushesEmpty pots of spent annuals and compost