Cut back perennials

AS THE DAYS slowly lengthen, winter will begin to loosen its grip in all but the coldest parts of the country. Plants will soon start into growth, so it’s time to clear away last year’s stems on all herbaceous perennials and some ornamental grasses. Cut the dead growth down as close to ground level as possible, using a sharp pair of secateurs. Then bundle them together, upright, at the back of a border or in a sheltered place out of sight, so that any insect eggs, larvae and chrysalises are protected and can develop and emerge in spring.