Take evergreen cuttings

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.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE THIS MONTH WITH OUR GUIDE TO THE CHANGING SEASONS

Throughout August I cut the box hedges that give shape to the vegetable garden. They’re just under waist height but that’s enough to protect most plants from the wind and they are a good dark backgrou

Take cuttings of your favourite salvias to make new plants for next year, in case the parent plants don’t survive the winter. Salvia cuttings are easy to root and if kept in a greenhouse or cold frame

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

Once your plants are spent, give them a tidy and create more plants too