Prune shrubs that have already finished

OCTOBER IS THE PERFECT TIME TO TRIM BACK YOUR GARDEN’S HEDGE GROWTH – HERE’S HOW…

Bringing order from chaos is fundamental to gardening, especially after the summer holidays, so get stuck in, says Joe Swift

A little nip and tuck now can help keep pests and disease at bay

Mimic their natural behaviour and get them going now to flower in spring

Shrubs are more than your garden’s supporting players. Given the right role, and even the occasional seasonal spotlight, they can become a star turn

Once bush roses have finished flowering, prune them by between one-third and a half. Cutting them back will reduce the risk of them being rocked in windy weather through autumn and winter, which can l