Autumn s definitely arrived. Is October the month for gardeners to begin hibernating

A.� No, unless you want to have a lot of catching up to do next spring. October is an invigorating month, a combination of finishing off this year's business and gearing up for the next. It's time to stop put aside the poking and prodding and get stuck in.

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Rather than getting depressed as the last of the summer blooms fade and foliage droops and begins to look the worst for wear, get reacquainted with the earth and clear the space you'll need for the new additions and projects to be planned out over the winter months. Don't forget to make the most of all that autumn colour while you're out there.

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A.� Rose bushes should be cut back by about a third to help them stand up to the high winds of winter.

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Cut back large perennials that are over hard. Some people make the mistake of only cutting back dead flower stalks to about six inches, which positively invites pests to take up residence during the winter. Be ruthless, cutting to within about half an inch of the crown. If you are worried you won't remember where things are when the first flush of spring growth covers them up, stick a plant label next to them.

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Clumps of perennials such as hostas or cranesbill geraniums that are getting to big or overcrowded can be lifted, divided with a sharp knife and then replanted.

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A.� While September is the time for sewing new lawns, October is the month for laying turf, giving it time to bed down on warm under-soil before winter sets in. It is important to rake the leaves off the grass that will start to fall freely rather than let them form a wet, rotting blanket on top of the grass.

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A.� Leaf mould is an invaluable mulch for the garden come spring, so don't chuck them away. Create a heap and as they rot down turn the heap from top to bottom and outside to in covering with some earth to help them break down. By spring it should be rich and crumbly and a real boost to your plants as they try to shrug off the effects of winter.

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Q.� What about general maintenance