October in the easy-care garden is all about a final tidy-up and getting ahead for next year, but without the hard labour. Instead of a full-scale clear out, focus on what’s essential. Raking leaves off the lawn is a key job to prevent dead patches, but you can simply move them to the base of your borders to act as a natural mulch and soil improver. This is also the perfect time to plant spring bulbs like daffodils and crocuses, which need no further attention until they burst into life. Give perennial plants a light trim to neaten them up and prevent “wind rock,” but leave some seedheads and faded foliage for winter interest and to provide shelter and food for wildlife. Finally, lift any tender plants like dahlias and bring them under cover, then raise pots off the ground to prevent waterlogging. With these simple tasks, you can prepare your garden for winter while leaving plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful autumnal colours.

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