Borders should be tidied up in the autumn as many diseases and pests overwinter in stalks and on leaves or old flower heads. You will also need to prepare your borders for the cold temperatures, high winds and heavy rains of winter.

Tender and Borderline Hardy Plants

Lift any tender plants out of the ground in the autumn. Borderline hardy plants can remain in the ground, but may need to be insulated, as may any plants that were planted in spring or summer, as they tend to need a little protection over their first winter.

The best way to protect the base of plants like hardy Fuchsias or Japanese Anemones is a loose covering of a 10-15 cm deep layer of dry leaves, with netting stretched and pegged over the leaves to stop them from blowing away. Alternatively, you can also you use bark chips to insulate the plant. Gather up the grassy foliage of plants such as Red Hot Poker (Kniphofia) and tie with an elastic band to protect the crown of the plant.

For more insulation ideas, see how you can protect your plants during the winter.

Cutting Back Plants

Once the first hard frosts arrive, cut any unsightly herbaceous perennials that were not cut back in autumn to the ground. Ornamental grasses that produced autumn seedheads can also be cut down.

The Back of Your Border

Once your herbaceous perennials have been cut down, it will be easier to reach the back of your border. Take this opportunity to repair any walls or fences. You should also tidy up any loose climbers that are grown at the back of the border by tying any loose stems to their supports.