How many trees can you name?  Do you recognise a tree variety from its leaves, nuts or seeds? I think we all wish we had better knowledge of our natural surroundings, and this month could give you the chance to get to know your green neighbourhood giants a little better!

Many people still enjoy the effect of “stripes” on a lawn following a grass cut and all of my customers are no exception - Simon James.

Lawns – so it’s a busy time on your lawn in October, but here’s a tip to make life easier! For those final mowings of the season, use the mower to shred the leaves and add organic humus to the lawn – it saves you the problem of sweeping them up!

November is a good time for contemplation. Take a good luck at your lawns. Happy with them? If not, look at an action plan for next year in terms of what needs doing and when.

There are some good companies operating nationally who will come and renovate your lawn and carry out all maintenance leaving you to do just the mowing to do!

It is a well-known fact that the earlier we can celebrate the joy of gardening with our children the more likely they are to continue growing their own vegetables, fruit, and flowers in the future. 

In November, it's important to continue mowing your lawn, but at a slightly lower height than during the summer months. 

Clear up and tidy! A bit of thought and action now will prevent trouble next year.

Remove the last fading blooms from roses and cut back taller stems by half to prevent winter ‘wind rock’ from loosening the plants roots.