Autumn

For a lovely lawn next spring, start to mow less frequently and raise the height of the grass as the growth rate slows down.

Encourage birds into the garden by providing extra food. Place the feeder near a tall shrub, fence or mature tree to provide protection from predators.

This is a good time of year to plant spring bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips, and new perennials - the soil is still warm but moisture levels are increasing.

Deciduous trees, such as acers, will provide lovely autumn colours from foliage, bark and berries. Autumn flowers such as crocus and amaryllis add colour, too. Remove plant debris and diseased leaves from flowers and vegetable patches. Dig up the annuals - plants that last only a season - and put them on the compost heap.

Flowering perennials - plants that spring up year after year from their roots should be cut back. Winter gives cuttings and leaves a chance to break down and produce nutrient-rich compost, which will be ready for boosting the garden in the new year.

Now is also a really good time to turn your compost heap. It will heat up nicely and then gently rot over winter.

Source: www.timesonline.co.uk