LANDSCAPING : Autumn’s first cool spells are settling in — a flower day with a descending moon suits ornamental beds perfectly. Divide established chrysanthemum clumps now, replanting sections 40 cm apart in refreshed soil; they’ll root well before the cold arrives. Heather goes in beautifully at this time of year: choose acid soil and space plants 30–40 cm apart. Crocus corms can still go in this month — push them 8 cm deep in well-drained ground, 8–10 cm apart, in informal drifts for a natural spring display.
ORCHARD : A quince tree or currant bush planted now gets a long head start before winter. Dig a generous hole, loosen the base, and backfill with a mix of native soil and compost. Blackcurrant goes in at the same spacing — 1.2 m apart in a sunny, open spot.
INDOORS : Bring lemon trees and oleanders under cover before night temperatures drop below 5 °C. Check pots for root congestion and, if needed, move to a slightly larger container with fresh compost.