So, summer has rushed past and autumn is here. It’s cold, but garden is still bursting with life. This is another time of year that I get really anxious about hard work that needs to be done. However, there is a simple method that may work.

Make a list – this is my list for my garden. Why not make your own for your own garden?

Creating new life

• Plant spring-flowering biennials and spring bedding, including containers.
• Divide perennials.
• Sow hardy annuals.

Fruit

• Continue harvesting apples, pears and autumn-fruiting raspberries.

Maintaining the garden

• Start clearing autumn debris (leaves, dead and dying perennials and so on) to prevent pests and diseases overwintering.
• Stop feeding plants in containers.
• Clear out pots with summer bedding.

Perennials

• Cut down overgrown perennials and support late-flowering ones.
• Start planting new perennials.

Planting

• Move evergreen shrubs.
• Start planting new trees, shrubs and climbers, including in pots.

Pruning (shrubs and trees)

• Start pruning climbing roses.

Most important task

• Sit and enjoy your garden in the fading light.