- Autumn is an ideal time to declutter gardens, though experts advise focusing on a light tidy-up rather than heavy pruning, which should wait until spring.
- Any dead or dying stems can be cut out immediately, and perennials that have finished flowering, such as delphiniums and lupins, can be cut back.
- Plants providing winter interest or food for wildlife, including ornamental grasses, hydrangeas and seed-bearing echinacea, should be left standing.
- Lavender and other delicate shrubs need only a light shaping trim to prevent damage from severe frost and hard winter conditions.
- Hedges and leggy roses should be trimmed in autumn to maintain neat structure and prevent wind rock throughout the cooler months.
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