Remove fallen, dead and diseased materials from your garden borders by hand or gently with a rake. Cut back perennials that have flowered, remembering to leave some for winter interest and wildlife, then mulch the soil with well rotted manure or leaf mould which will help to keep plant roots in good condition over the winter months.
If your summer hanging baskets and containers are looking a little worse for wear, there’s no need to put them away just yet. Remove old plants, replenish the soil and plant some ornamental cabbages along with cyclamen and trailing ivy. Try a mix of different Heucheras such as ‘Sugar Plum’, ‘Ginger Ale’ and ‘Lime Rickey’ for a gorgeous splash of colour.
It’s time to order and plant your spring bulbs. Most can be planted from late September to the end of October and even into November. Tulips can be planted up to Christmas. There are so many colours and varieties to choose from with something to suit every garden, container and pot. From single early varieties to double late you can have tulips in bloom for a long spring period. Planting in groups of odd numbers will provide you with the best displays.