November in the garden

BORDERS: Cut back perennials that have finished flowering and are beginning to look untidy. Leave any with seedheads for the birds. Fork over any bare patches in borders, removing weeds and incorporating well-rotted garden compost where possible.

GUNNERA: Cut off leaves from Gunnera manicata, upturn them onto the crown and secure to protect the plant from hard frost.

HEDGES: Prune laurel hedges.

LAWNS: Stop cutting the grass now. The slightly longer grass will protect the ground, when wet, as you walk on it.

Rake up leaves to make leaf mould

LEAVES: Rake up leaves, particularly from paths, lawns and rockeries. Fill purpose-built leaf bins and wait for leaf mould to form.

PONDS: Clean out any ponds and water features that have become overcrowded with plants. Divide and replant any that require it and remove all fallen tree leaves. Read more from Charlie Dimmock on seasonal care for ponds.

SUMMER-FLOWERING SHRUBS: Prune and shape all summer-flowering shrubs that were not pruned earlier in the year, such as Potentilla fruticosa and viburnums.

WOODY DEBRIS: Shred general garden waste, such as prunings. See our test results on the latest quiet and fast garden shredders with supplier details.

Use a fungicidal spray

DAHLIAS: If you have not yet done so, lift dahlia tubers and wash off all the soil, then place on greenhouse benching to dry.

HEATERS: Check these still work, then set them up in greenhouses that are filled with overwintering tender perennials.

PLANTS: Spray plants in the conservatory and greenhouse with a fungicide spray.

POTTED PLANTS: Transfer all potted plants that are not frost-resistant to a polythene tunnel. This will give them the shelter they need during winter.

THERMOMETER: A 'max-min' thermometer is essential for keeping an eye on temperature fluctuations all around the clock.

VENTILATION: Ventilate greenhouses on sunnier days. Remember to check and close windows and vents in the evening.

* Photography: Redshift Photography