TOP 5 GARDENING JOBS

As autumn leaves start to fall, skim out dead plant material from ponds before it sinks and rots. Use a net or rake, then leave debris by the water for a day so wildlife can crawl back. Thin oxygenators to about one-third and avoid disturbing any settled silt.

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For long-lasting indoor arrangements, harvest dahlias in the morning when blooms are fully open. Use clean, sharp secateurs and cut long stems just above a leaf pair. Strip the lower foliage, place stems straight into a clean bucket, then recut the ends and condition in deep, lukewarm water for several hours in a cool room.