Easy autumn improvements
■ Mulch around plants to boost the appearance of borders.
■ Keep deadheading – it will encourage plants to continue flowering.
■ Refresh permanent pots by planting seasonal bedding for extra colour.
■ Plant shrubs that will add structure and act as a foil for your flowering plants – choose evergreen or variegated types if you need to brighten up dull areas.
■ Plant up a seasonal hanging basket or windowbox – fill it with the likes of winter heathers, trailing ivy and berrying plants such as gaultheria.