OCTOBER CLIPPINGS

MAKE SURE TENDER PLANTS ARE LIFTED, POTTED AND MOVED TO SAFE WINTER QUARTERS.

In colder regions, this includes canna, French lavender, evergreen agapanthus, bananas and pelargoniums. An unheated greenhouse will often suffice, as plants like Lavandula stoechas are more at risk from damp than cold. Cover tender sorts with fleece during cold spells and ventilate when possible.

NOW’S THE PERFECT TIME TO LIFT AND MOVE PEONIES AND HELLEBORES,

if necessary. Dig deep to avoid damaging their fleshy roots, divide if necessary and replant promptly.Water in unless the soil is already well moistened and rain due.

REDUCE THE HEIGHT.

of overgrown and gangly buddleias, but leave their final pruning until late winter or early spring.

TEND TO BRASSICAS

like Brussels sprouts and purple-sprouting broccoli by removing dead or yellowing leaves, staking tall plants and covering with protection against winter pigeon damage.

PRUNE OUT THE FRUITED STEMS

of blackberry hybrids and tie in the new ones.

SOW FRESH SEEDS OF TREES, SHRUBS AND HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS.

Cover lightly with compost (one containing a proportion of loam-based John Innes is best) and top with a thin layer of grit. Leave in an unheated greenhouse or cold frame, so they are cold and moist but not saturated over winter. Some will germinate within weeks, some in spring and others the following spring. Label them with type and date.