Renovate old lawns or create new grass areas by laying turf.

Apply a thick layer of mulch over the died-down crowns of tender herbaceous plants to ensure their return next spring.

Replant hanging baskets with spring-flowering bulbs, winter heathers, trailing ivies and spring bedding plants.

Raise patio containers on to bricks or purpose-made pot feet to avoid them sitting in water during the winter.

Plant bare-rooted deciduous trees and shrubs, as well as rootwrapped evergreens.

Check cuttings taken earlier in the season. They may need potting on.