SUMMER is coming to an end and autumn is on the way. With it a new planting season is arriving. Spring flowering bulbs are already in garden centres and the sooner they can be planted the better.

The quality of the flower display next spring is clearly influenced by the quality and condition of the bulbs planted, but almost as much by the period of time that the bulbs have become established before the chill weather of winter really sets in.

The same is true for broad-leafed evergreen shrubs and conifers. If they can be planted during September they establish quickly in the warm damp soil. If it is difficult to plant evergreens during the next few weeks then wait until March.

When summer bedding starts to fade remove it and replace with spring flowering plants. It is always difficult to make the decision to remove plants that are still flowering well if the early autumn remains open, but the wallflowers, pansies and forget-me-nots that are going to provide spring colour need to establish a good root system before winter.

After summer bedding plants have been removed the soil should be lightly forked and prepared to receive spring flowering plants. A slow release fertiliser can be scattered over the bed and raked in just before planting.

Do not use a quick acting or high nitrogen feed as this promotes soft growth which will not survive the winter.

During the coming weeks prepare the pond for winter.

You should feed the fish now with high protein foods such as ants eggs, dried flies and daphnia. Fish will cease feeding in a month or so and then become almost completely torpid. If well fed before the winter they are likely to survive unscathed.

All popular pond fish are quite hardy. It is not the cold that is likely to kill them, but actually ice on the pond.

If there is no hole for ventilation the fish can become asphyxiated by the build up of gases resulting from the decomposition of organic matter on the pool floor.

A simple pool heater which can be connected to the cable which is used for the pump will ensure a permanent ice-free area.

The pump should in any event be removed from the pool during the next week or two, cleaned, and placed in storage for the winter.

Many waterside and marginal aquatic plants will still remain attractive for a while if the weather stays open.

While in good conditions enjoy them, but as soon as they start to fade cut them back in order to deprive over-wintering poolside pests of a haven in which to hibernate.

Philip Swindells

WHAT'S NEW

Aida is a dwarf wallflower which blossoms both in autumn and again in spring. It is ideal for containers.

Chile Black is a perennial scabious with deep maroon, almost black flowers.

Blossom Peacock is amongst the latest double-flowered amaryllis. It has rose-pink and white blossoms.

Q I have discovered small patches of clover all over my lawn. How do I get rid of them without actually damaging the grass?

A Use a selective weedkiller which takes out broad-leafed weeds, but leaves the turf undamaged. Such products are readily available from garden centres. Clover is a difficult weed to kill and so several applications will be required.

Q Can I eat the nuts which have formed on a corkscrew hazel?

AYes, they are perfectly palatable, but will probably be of inferior quality to those produced by the traditional hazel.

Q My yucca flowers are fading. Do I cut off the flower stem or leave it until later?

A Cut it off immediately the flowers are over, taking it right back to the main plant.