ALTHOUGH the weather is very open at the moment, winter is not far away. Preparations should be undertaken now as the damp summer has resulted in many plants making green sappy growth. This will be very susceptible to winter die back.

Where the over-winter protection of plants is necessary, use stakes or canes and fine green garden netting rather than polythene. A polythene tent over a plant not only looks ugly, but the temperature inside the tent is often colder than that in the open.

Brushwood can also provide effective protection, especially when covering low growing plants. Providing that it is secured properly, straw can also be utilised widely in the garden.

Place it in hessian sacks to create flat pads which can be wrapped around plants or tubs. Although the plants growing in planters may be hardy, the exposure of their roots to much colder conditions often leads to root death.

Small planters and window boxes should be watched carefully. These can freeze solid and so should be temporarily removed to a garage, or outhouse, when prolonged severe weather threatens.

The same applies to plants which are hardy, but produce early blossoms that may be damaged by frost. Camellias, early rhododendrons and similar plants can also be protected with a net curtain. If this is thrown over a bush when frost threatens, it is often sufficient to prevent damage.

Flowers or young foliage which are covered with a frosty rime in the early morning, but have not turned brown, can often be saved by washing the frost off with clear cold water. This must be done before sunshine falls directly onto the frosted flowers or foliage.

Very cold weather often disturbs autumn plants. Wallflowers, polyanthus, pansies and violas, in particular, are lifted by the frost. Once the soil thaws, go out into the garden and gently firm the plants back into the soil.

Wind can cause havoc in the winter, especially if accompanied by snowfall. Although it is not desirable to prune all shrubs and climbers to their final levels, it is prudent to take out excess weight before the weather turns.

Climbing plants in particular suffer if not attended to now. Windrock can cause damage to many shrubs and particularly roses. This occurs when all the growth from the previous season remains and the wind blows the plant about.

A swaying plant creates an open pocket in the soil at its base. If this fills with water, the plant suffers. Reduce the height of all vulnerable shrubby plants during the next couple of weeks by about one third.

Few preparations can be made for snowfall, but it is as well to be aware of the problems it can bring and the action to be taken. Conifers and other evergreens are vulnerable to snow damage, the sheer weight either snapping branches or opening the trees up. After snowfall, walk around the garden and knock the snow off evergreens with a yard brush.

WHAT'S NEW: Corsica is a large blue- flowered bedding viola.

Golden Seashells is a Coreopsis with ferny foliage and trumpet-like flowers.

Atlantic is a white and purple turnip for late sowing and an autumn harvest.

Q I have a cordyline growing in a pot outside. Will it be safe to leave outdoors without protection?

A No, bring it indoors in a frost-free light place and water very sparingly. Alternatively, plunge the pot in the soil, tie up the leaves and wrap the plant in sacking.

Q I have a pump in my pond which operates a small fountain. Do I take it out in the winter?

A It is wise to remove a pond pump for the winter. If there are fish in the pond it is useful to replace the pump with a pool heater in order to keep an ice-free area during severe weather.

Q It is too late to plant indoor hyacinths for Christmas flowering?

A Yes, but if you can find some good firm bulbs in your local garden centre there is plenty of opportunity to grow these on for early spring flowering indoors. The only way in which you will get Christmas flowers is to purchase part-grown bulbs in pots.