Lifting plants
CHOP back stems and foliage of cannas, ginger and dahlias, leaving just 5in (15cm) stumps to use as handles when lifting. Prune twiggy tops of salvia and fuchsia back by half, and on bananas remove only the outer leaves leaving the stem intact. Dig around the roots and heave to the surface, removing the soil from around the edge of the rootball – the rest will fall away when potting up in spring – and place into wooden veg boxes or similar (cover the slats with newspaper) packing around the roots with dry potting compost. Keep in a light but dry shed/ greenhouse and wrap in fleece if severe cold is forecast.