Flowers

Simple steps to keep your plot looking good

Give rambling roses a prune now to keep the plant in good shape and attached to its support. They produce exuberant growth so will need a good annual cut now. First, spend time examining your rose and

Fill border gaps, spruce up container displays and divide perennials. Get ahead for next year by planting crocuses for spring and taking salvia cuttings

Look to the beautiful beds and borders of Hidcote Manor to discover how to prolong the season of interest, with this advice from National Trust head gardener Lottie Allen

Save seeds from the heads of grasses that may not survive the winter. Ornamental grasses such as pennisetum are marginally tender and particularly susceptible to frost damage when grown in heavy soil.

Select good garden ‘doers’ that bring interest to your plot for many months